How much are we spending this Christmas comapred to last year

[Koppur]

Last year I shopped for 7 adults, and spent around $800. This year, I am shopping for 9 adults and 2 kids and am just about done at about $400. I should finish out at about $450. (this includes paper, bags, and cards, but not the stamps. ). I cut way back his year, and so has the rest of my family. That helped a lot. Plus, this year, ALL my x-mas shopping was done w/cash. That was really my big goal...all cash, no credit cards. YAY!!!

[Aleta]

Good for you. You won't be sorry for going cash. It'll be a great feeling when the New Year rolls around and you don't have those dreaded bills. Sounds like you might even have more cash as a result of your new decision. It is a great feeling.

[tinapbeana]

just finished up the december budget, and if all goes as anticipated i will finish my cash only christmas with cash left over. WOO HOO!!

[Aleta]

Congratulations! Seems like a lot of people here are discovering the power of cash and taking back your power over your money. Good job!

[tinapbeana]

well, to be honest, i've been cash only on Christmas for ever. but to finish up with cash left, that's an achievement in my book! now if i can only keep DH from spending it...

[Aleta]

I know what you mean. Money burns a hole right in my husband's pockets as well. For the last few weeks, I've asked him to list everything he spends daily. I told him that I didn't want to see his totals, but that it was only for him to see where he is at. He was surprised and we talked about ways to reduce the bleeding of the cash that he does everyday. It could be to buy items to take to work with him. They catch on after a while.

[cicy33]

Exactly! I may spend a fair amount at xmas time but it is not on credit cards! and we try hard to only buy things that are usable. why spend money on a pretty nic nac that I have to dust!? buy me a slicer (they did one year) or something like that. something useful.

[januarymarch]

It's been getting less and less. Plus we just moved. So probably not more than a couple hundred dollars.

[josie]

We budgeted 800. Last year we went a little overboard and you hardly remember the gifts anyway. I'm hoping to spend below my budget. I'm thinking more traditions and less gifts this year. We also opted out of a christmas tree as we have a 1 year old so that saves money and we're going to stockpile on christmas ornaments and things after christmas for next year.

[Ima saver]

i know I am spending less because I have not bought very much. There is so very little that we really need and if we need it, we buy it.

[Ima saver]

Well, I spent very little, and gave away more money than I spent. That is good.

[cicy33]

[quote=josie]Last year we went a little overboard and you hardly remember the gifts anyway.


That is so sad. I can truly say that within our family we buy each other stuff that is remembered all year and in some cases many years! I prefer to receive and to give things that are useful not dust collectors.