My Finance Blog

How fast can the days go by? I blink my eyes and it’s already December. While everyone else was doing their Christmas shopping for decorations by November, I was still too busy with work to do so. I just came back from a day at the mall, where I unknowingly splurged a lot more than what I would have. Yes, I’m guilty of not following my own advice, but as I said before, when you’re saving up, allow yourself to splurge a bit if and when necessary.

I’ve always been big on holidays and our house hasn’t seen a Christmas tree since 1994, so now I can afford (a fake) one, I dragged my mother to the mall. When we got there, however, I wasn’t able to control my expenditures since I had my debit and credit cards with me. Last minute Christmas shopping could do that to you, really. How then could you not spend more than what you can afford during times such as these?

1. Plan What You Want to Buy

In reality, you won’t be able to follow your plan to the last detail. However, having a solid plan of what you want to buy gives you a goal and hence you can focus on it before anything else.

2. Don’t Bring Too Much Excess Cash

While it’s prudent to bring more than you plan to spend, make sure it’s not TOO much more than planned.

3. Don’t Bring Your Credit/Debit Cards With You

No, really. It’s what got me spending more than what I’ve planned. The knowledge that you have plastic with you gives you some sort of shopping invincibility. You know you won’t run out of money, so you keep on spending.

4. Keep Sane

Don’t get sidetracked by goods you haven’t planned on buying. Keep your sanity and with a bit of self-control, you’re all good.

Filed under: personal finance