DECEMBER 2009

Our Mission: To provide a charitable community service dedicated to assisting consumers in financial distress.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3

Making the List - Checking it twice.

Isn’t it funny how fast Christmas seems to arrive as we get older?  The festive season is upon us so let’s enjoy it. This should not mean lots of pressure on the wallet or credit cards – but sometimes it does.

Some might say that gift giving has gotten out of hand.  Do we really have to buy a gift for everybody we know or who provides a service for us?  Are there other ways to give?  Absolutely.   Let’s be creative and realistic within our own budgets.   In an ideal world you could budget monthly throughout the year and spend according to your plan.

Make a gift-giving list, and then decide how much you are prepared to spend.  Keep presents simple and small – it really is the thought that counts. Drawing names works for large crowds and “going in with” others lets you share the cost of that special gift you may not be able to afford on your own.  For some, a hand-written Christmas card letting the person know you are thinking of them and why they are important to you might be enough.

If you do a lot of socializing in December and feel like you want to bring something - do some baking, wrap that up and bring it rather than wine or something more expensive.  This can also be a great gift for teachers or co-workers.

The biggest gift you can give anyone is your time.  Spend an afternoon with your older friends or relatives.  Help them with their Christmas baking; do something for them: or if it’s a busy family member – take their kids for a sleepover or an afternoon – that could be a huge gift for the kids and for the parent(s).

If you’re like most people and haven’t been shopping since July, the temptation to “skip payments” on utilities or loans to raise the holiday cash can be overwhelming.  At Credit Counselling Services, we encourage budgeting and living within your means.  However, if you find yourself in this situation we advise you to contact the companies ahead of time to make arrangements.  We are here 12 months of the year for advice on budgeting and debt management.

This is the season of giving.  It’s a time to share with those who are important in our lives – our family and friends.  If you make a list and stick to it you will find that you have more time for yourself and fewer bills come January.

Happy Holidays!