Its hard to believe that July is already here.  After a very busy start to the summer, I am excited to finally slow down a little and relax. 

Along with relaxing, summer is full of pool parties, bonfires, camping and the list goes on.  It is filled with so many fun activities that the last thing on anyone’s mind is Christmas.  Yes, I just mentioned Christmas!  In the midst of planning a camping trip and fighting 90 degree heat, it is time to start thinking about Christmas.

Christmas is one of those Holiday’s everyone gets excited for and yet somehow every year it sneaks up on us.  Well this year let’s get ready!  July is the best month to start saving because it gives us plenty of time to save, and it is close enough you don’t loose site of your goal.  

Budgeting For Christmas

I like to keep it my favorite time of year by creating a budget and not letting the financial stress hinder the enjoyment.   

Creating a budget is as easy as making a list.  Sometimes last minute gifts to purchase come up, but for the most part you can figure out the number of gifts you will need to purchase. 

Think of who you typically buy presents for and write down the names of all those friends and family members.  Don’t forget to budget in money for teacher gifts and/or co-workers.  Also budget money for wrapping paper, tape and other supplies you need to wrap your presents. 

Use the worksheet below to keep track of who you buy presents for and then figure out how much you intend to spend on each person.  This is only an estimated budget to help you save, just try to get it as close as possible to your actual budget.  

The main goal is to figure out a total of what you normally spend on Christmas gifts.  If you have never added this amount up before, it could be shocking!  So take a breath and decide if you need to scale back or if you just want to save more. 

CLICK HERE FOR A CHRISTMAS BUDGET WORKSHEET! 

Saving For Christmas

Once you have figured out your budget, now you can figure out how to get there.  Take the total and divide it by 22 weeks (the number of weeks left before Christmas beginning on Tuesday, July 24th). 

For example, If you are trying to save $1000.  You would take $1000/22= 45.45 or you could round up and save $46/week.  I promise it feels so amazing shopping for gifts and having the cash ready to go!  No more huge credit card statements coming in January or February.

To help, I created another worksheet.  I have one worksheet set for saving $1000 by Christmas and then the second sheet is a blanket template for you to create your own budget. Print off either one to help you track your savings.

CLICK HERE TO TRACK YOUR CHRISTMAS SAVINGS!  

Some weeks may be harder than others, but fight to stay on track!  Saving money is never fun at the time, but it is so worth it!

I also understand life gets busy and things come up.  Don’t get discouraged!  If you are struggling to stay on track, just save as much as you can.  A little is always better than nothing!  

Drop a note below or on my Facebook page with your progress.  I would love to hear about it!  

Happy saving and thanks for checking out my post!!

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