Being in debt is even more stressful over the holidays. Everyone else is busy buying big presents and you feel like you need to do the same. But financial advisor Amanda Clayman says beating yourself up about being in debt is a waste of energy and just another way to procrastinate dealing with the problem.
So why not give yourself a break during the holidays and make an appointment to focus on the debt next month. Like, actually put “think about getting out of debt” on the calendar for January and let yourself relax about it now.
Here’s how you do it:
- Admit that you’ll have to spend some money over the holidays - Between presents and parties, you’ll have to shell out some cash. So don’t hate yourself for it or let it ruin the holidays, just vow to get back on track next month.
- Keep a spreadsheet with who you need to buy gifts for - So it’s all easy to keep track of.
- Homemade gifts don’t have to be lame - Get creative and crafty and you won’t have to spend so much on presents.
And a few things you don’t:
- Don’t open more credit cards during the holidays - Even if they offer you a hundred thousand frequent flyer points, it’ll still cost you more in the end.
- Don’t spend so much you miss a credit card payment - Even if you can only pay the minimum, make sure you pay it on time.