By Dave Ulacia

Advertisers encourage heavy spending this time of year. It’s good for business, but it may not be good for your bank account. A recent Gallup poll projects Americans will on average spend more than $900 on gifts this year. While some will spend more and others will spend less—the secret isn’t how much you spend, but how well your spending fits within your budget. Here are ten ways to keep your spending at a manageable level this holiday season.

1. Focus on your favorite parts of the season.

The holidays are filled with special meaning and rich tradition that usually cost very little to enjoy. Time with family, winter activities, laughter, a special worship service, home-made fudge. Those things you cherish most during the holidays rarely seem to correlate with those things you spend most of your money on. Something to remember as you budget for the season.

2. Discuss holiday activities with your family.

This is a great way to reaffirm the true meaning of the season and to plan low or no-cost holiday activities the whole family can enjoy. Write plans and events on your calendar and post it where everyone can see. Knowing when you’re going to bake cookies, go ice skating, or attend a play keeps everyone in the loop and builds anticipation throughout the season.

3. Make a holiday budget.

Take the time today to create a holiday spending plan.  Often what we would like to spend, isn't necessarily what we can afford to spend.  Having a budget makes buying decisions easier and can help you come up with creative ways to meet your gift giving needs.

4. Make a list.

Write down all of the names you plan to buy for and what items you would like to get them.  Compare the list with your budget and make the necessary adjustments.

5. Ask for a list.

It’s okay to ask your friends and family for a list of gift suggestions. Not having to guess saves you time and money—and saves you from the awkward silence that comes when someone opens a gift they didn't really want.

6. Keep shopping trips short.

Short trips make it easier to stay focused on buying only what you came to buy. The holiday shopping rush can be exhausting—the more prepared you are the quicker you can get what you came for and avoid those impulse purchases that come from just wanting to buy something and get home.

7. Walk away.

Walking away from something you think you want to buy, but didn’t plan for can actually give you an emotional rush. Distancing yourself from the urgency of the sale and the excitement of the find often gives you perspective. If the item is still begging you to buy it a few hours or even days later, review your budget and list of items you had planned to buy and decide if this new discovery is worth making adjustments for. You’ll be surprised how much you save.

8. Give Love Notes.

When money is tight, and even when it’s not, friends and family members can give love notes—coupons that entitle the recipient to a specific service. A special dinner with all the recipient’s favorite foods, an afternoon of babysitting, a day spent cleaning the garage, or getting the spring garden into shape. Showing someone you care by saving them time and effort can often be some of the most appreciated gifts.

9. Buy duplicates.

If you find a great gift at a great price, consider getting one for several of the people on your list. It will help you save time and money.

10. Plan for next year.

If you’re ready to update your seasonal decorations, wait until December 26 to buy them. Most merchants reduce prices by as much as 75% in an effort to clear out their seasonal inventories. Saving money on next year’s decorating and wrapping supplies allows more wiggle room in your budget next season. Just remember, if you find a gift for next year during a post holiday sale, chances are, your recipient won’t be able to return it. Most merchants impose a time limit on returns.

These are only a few ways to ensure you stick to your budget this holiday season- what are your suggestions?

Thanks Dave! Did you enjoy this article? Give it a cheer!