Aside from dealing with hangovers in January, many of us also wake up to the reality of extra credit card debt or a budget shortfall. While the holidays are a joyful time, they often come with a significant price tag. It’s easy to go overboard with spending amidst the festivities, outfit planning, and gift-giving. Even with a well-thought-out holiday budget, unexpected expenses can quickly accumulate. However, there’s a silver lining: now is an ideal moment to reassess your overall financial plans, with reining in spending being a crucial aspect. Here’s how to recover:
Revert to Your Regular Budget
As soon as possible, return to your typical budget and daily spending habits. While it may be tempting to take a break post-spending spree and delay addressing new habits acquired during the holidays, it’s crucial to start making positive changes now, rather than procrastinating. Just like nutritionists advise against adopting a “diet starts on Monday” mindset, the same applies to your finances. The current moment is opportune for making beneficial adjustments.
Categories like dining out and groceries often veer off track during this season, so focus on readjusting them first. For instance, if your usual morning coffee budget is $2, switch from the $5 specialty cup to save. It’s time to cut back on luxury items like fancy lattes and upscale groceries.
Plan how to Settle Your Debts
Gather all your holiday bills and carefully assess the financial damage. Though it may be challenging, it’s essential to understand the amount and pace of your recovery. During the holiday rush, it’s easy to overlook earlier expenses, so ensure you have a comprehensive overview of what needs attention.
Be meticulous and challenge yourself to specify what you can pay off and when. Setting clear figures and deadlines increases the likelihood of achieving your payoff goals. For instance, you could opt to allocate 10% of your “fun money” from the next four paychecks towards paying off your debt instead.
Develop a Plan to Boost Your Income
While budget cuts can help, at some point, finding ways to increase your income can be more rewarding. This can take various forms, and the start of the year is an excellent time to explore these options. Have you contemplated a side gig? It’s time to pursue that dream or ramp up client acquisition to earn extra cash. Is your wardrobe due for a clear-out? Identify the best means to sell some old clothes, which may have been overshadowed by holiday purchases. Not only will you generate income, but you’ll also start the year feeling lighter.
Additionally, the beginning and end of the year often bring bonuses or raises. Strategize how to allocate this extra income or enhance your negotiation skills for a potentially higher salary.
Evaluate Necessary Changes for the Future
Throughout this process, you may have identified expenses that could have been lower or unnecessary, such as an expensive holiday manicure or a new party dress. Perhaps you exceeded the intended amount for gifts to your siblings or omitted gifts from your budget entirely. It’s common to overlook budgeting for colleagues, neighbors, and service providers, which can constitute significant expenses! Personally, I neglected to allocate funds for wrapping paper and holiday cards initially, but after a few trips to Target, these became essential budget items.
Determine the adjustments needed for the next holiday season and record these changes in a notebook, on your phone, or by emailing yourself so they’re easily accessible when the festive period approaches again. Should you start saving earlier or adjust savings rates? Set a reminder in your calendar or schedule an email for that time. This proactive approach can prevent reactive financial decisions.
Grant Yourself a Reprieve
Indulging and feeling remorseful creates an unhealthy financial cycle, akin to its nutritional counterpart. At this stage, what’s spent is spent (unless returns are an option!). The expenses incurred during this season typically translate to cherished memories, traditions, and the joy of celebrating with loved ones. Rather than dwelling on straying from the budget, focus on the holiday experiences and memories you cherished.
Furthermore, it’s likely that someone in your circle also faced budget challenges, making it more meaningful to express gratitude for any gifts, experiences, or hosted events you enjoyed.
