How Much are You Spending over the Holidays?

Written By: Rick Vaughn on November 26, 2008 No Comment

by Kitty Cats (,,,)>^.?.^<(,,,)

Let’s face it folks, it’s the Holiday Season and with all that good cheer comes a price. No one loves the holidays or being with family more than I, but come January 15th all the fun and excitement has faded when I go out to my snow covered mailbox and find a nice New Year’s present from Bank of America. I know the Suze Ormans of the world want you to be fiscally responsible but when the tree is up and the good times are rolling, January 2009 seems so far away.

How much is a present worth?

Answer truthfully. Can you name the presents your family gave you last year? If it wasn’t a Nintendo Wii or Playstation I bet you are having trouble with this one. I know everyone wants to be the “rich uncle or aunt” but more than likely your nieces or nephews aren’t going to remember what you got them.
Just remember when you purchase that Xbox 360 and the price tag says $199, if you are running a healthy tab on your credit card that means you may be paying 20% (insert your card’s interest rate) per month for that same Xbox.

What else is involved?

Well, when I was younger my family was on the East Coast and flew every Christmas to the Midwest. Now, five round trip tickets are probably going to be in the $2,000 range and although driving may be cheaper, an 18 hour drive with family sure can seem to take years off your life (only kidding!).
If you’re hosting the holidays at your home, some people may be staying with you, eating with you, using you electricity, etc. All these things can add up fast. Plus, how are you going to entertain your family? There is only so much NFL football on Christmas, unfortunately, it doesn’t last all day.

No one wants to be a “Scrooge” during this time of year. I know you want to spoil your kids and that’s great if you can afford to. However, remember this post come that snowy January day when you walk to your mailbox. Then when you open that Chase envelope, hopefully you’ll smile instead of pout.

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