The holiday season should be about love, not spending

It’s a magical time of year filled with lights, joy, food and family, but it’s often over scheduled and exhausting.  

The kids have holiday programs at schools. Employers often hold festive parties. Families gather for meals and gift exchanges. No matter what traditions or winter celebrations your family celebrates there are ways to make it manageable by decreasing spending and increasing cheer.

Those who love this time of year need not deplete their savings to make the season memorable by prioritizing and making experiences less about things and more about the people we love.

The following are some tips paving the way for a more affordable season:

Before heading out to department stores, take an inventory of holiday supplies. It’s likely there is packaging materials, wrapping paper and tape tucked away in the back of the closet. Plug in all those strands of lights before it’s decorating night to avoid running around last minute looking for replacement bulbs or purchasing new strands.

Depending on where you live, Christmas trees can be costly. One option is to head to the hills on a hunt through the forest to find one.  It’s a real inexpensive option even for those who don’t have private land because Christmas tree permits for public lands are just $5. If allergies or needle messes are intolerable, wait to purchase an artificial one until the end of the season because there is no harm in being patient.

Gift-giving doesn’t have to always be about merchandise on a grand scale. Loved ones are generally happy to receive something small or even hand-made. The good news is that being Martha Stewart is completely unnecessary.

Be realistic about what you spend on supplies and time. Often, it can cost just as much (or more) to make some items as it can to find them on a sale table. To keep stress down keep projects reasonable, stick with familiar materials and only give to those who truly appreciate it.  And, don’t procrastinate because the later gifts are shipped, the more it will cost and use packing peanuts instead of paper because they are nearly weightless.

For those who entertain, skip the full bar and opt for a single signature cocktail; for appetizers, skip the aged cheese like Gouda and go with mozzarella or feta. Another way to please guests without burdening the budget is to host a brunch instead of a dinner. It’s a delicious option that won’t disappoint those who attend or leave the hosts with buyer’s remorse. And if an event is already planned, stock up on supplies and shop the sales, especially if you have space in the freezer or pantry. And, don’t be afraid to let bargains drive the menu.

Traveling for the holidays is expensive and there really is no way around it, but booking early will save big time. If flying, avoid flying on Friday, Saturday and Sunday because fares tend to be higher. Same goes with hotels and sometimes it makes sense to book an apartment or house.

Be mindful of charities and check them out before making your donation. Consider warning signs such as not providing proof the contribution is tax deductible, the charity closely resembles that of a better-known, reputable organization, or asks for cash. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a great charity checklist and the Internal Revenue Service lists which organizations are eligible for tax deductible contributions.

The FTC also provides some great tips to help consumers shop safely online such as using familiar and reputable sites, not responding to any e-mail or pop-up message asking for personal financial information, and keeping a paper trail of purchases.

Protecting yourself and being mindful about finances during this holiday season will help not put a damper on the checkbook or spirits.

More information can be found in Consumer Resource Centers at credit unions around the state and also online at http://www.montanacreditunions.coop/.

Each month there is a new topic at these Consumer Resource Centers, where people can find timely, relevant and Montana-specific information.

(Alana Listoe is with the Montana Credit Union Network, a not-for-profit based in Helena.)