Too splurge or not to splurge is always the question. With Christmas shopping under way you may feel tempted to buy a few gifts for yourself. But if you have a budget, every dollar you save can help you buy presents for one of your loved ones. However, there are tips you can consider to help you decide whether or not you can spend a little on yourself.
Make a Christmas list before you go shopping
You should write down the names of each person you are shopping for, as well as the gifts you are giving them. Also write down the prices of each gift, By doing so, you will know exactly where your budget stands. Now that you have a number you can check to see if you have any room to spend an extra $50-100 on yourself.
Go back later
When you head to the stores, you will probably be tempted to buy something for yourself. If this happens, take a picture of the item you want to buy, write down the name of the store it is in and then come back later after you bought something for everyone on your Christmas list. This way you stay on tasks and get your Christmas shopping done as soon as possible. A good way to avoid being tempted by the first store you walk into is to go to the stores you do not like first.
Evaluate your budget
After each store you hit to obtain the items on your list, make sure you are subtracting from your budget. This will help you keep track of your spending and give you an exact number of what you have left over to spend on a little something for yourself. By keeping track of your finances you will remain organized and know whether or not you are staying on budget.
Remember, these tips are not to help you spend money on yourself. Instead, they are ways to let you know if you have enough money in your budget to allow you to splurge on yourself. It is great to reward yourself after a long day of shopping, but remember Christmas shopping is not about you. Get the most you can for the people you love in your life or for those in need, and then put yourself second.
