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The holidays are right around the corner, along with the expenses that follow. It is easy to get carried away with the holidays and overspend, but there is a way to stay within budget. Today, I’m going to give you some tips to stay within your holiday budget and share the holiday planner that will help you do this. Don’t worry, it’s a freebie that I can’t wait to give you! So, let’s get started! (Click HERE to download the Holiday Planner.)
The Holiday Planner
I wanted to create an easy way for you to plan and budget for the holiday season, so here is the Holiday Planner! I included calendars for November through December, along with some daily and holiday planning sheets.
This planner has everything from decorations inventory, stocking stuffer list, gift trackers, holiday card trackers, and even your favorite holiday movies and recipe trackers! I wanted to create a planner that would help you organize, plan, and make lasting memories this season!
This planner is available in the US Letter Size 8.5 inches by 11 inches. It has 33 pages, including a front and back cover, so that you can select which sheets you need.
Features of the Holiday Planner
This planner can be used as a physical or digital planner. You can import it into your favorite notes app. The holiday planner does have a red and green Christmas theme, so get creative with your favorite pen! (If you have GoodNotes, you will need to import the planner into the app to use it as a digital planner.)
The Holiday Planner Includes:
- Front Cover Page
- Name Page
- Holiday Planner
- Holiday Meal Planner
- 31 Days of Kindness
- November Calendar
- December Calendar
- January Calendar
- Daily Planner
- Wish List
- Holiday Checklist
- Holiday Budget
- Favorite Holiday Movies
- Holiday Bucket List
- Gift Giving Tracker
- Gift Tracker
- Stocking Stuffer List
- Online Order Tracker
- Christmas Card Tracker
- Decoration Planning Sheet
- Decoration Inventory Sheets (Tree, Dining Room, Living Room, Bedroom, and Bathroom)
- Party Planning List
- Holiday Guest List Tracker
- To Do List Sheet
- Holiday Recipe Sheet
- Holiday Menu Sheet
- Black Friday Shopping List
- Notes Page (2 Sheets)
- Back Cover
How to Create a Holiday Budget
If you want to get the most out of this budget planner, then it is important to start by creating a holiday budget. This helps you to plan out expenses and prepare for unexpected costs. Here’s a list of steps to help create a holiday budget that keeps your spending in check while making the season enjoyable:
- Set a Total Budget Limit: Start with a realistic amount you’re comfortable spending without straining your finances. This will be the foundation of all your holiday expenses.
- Make a List of Holiday Expenses: Include categories such as gifts, travel, decorations, food, and events. Don’t forget smaller costs like wrapping paper, greeting cards, and shipping fees.
- Prioritize Your Spending Categories: Decide where you want to allocate most of your funds. For example, if gift-giving is the main focus, prioritize this in your budget and adjust other categories accordingly.
- Set Spending Limits for Each Category: Break down your total budget by category. Setting specific limits for each area makes it easier to stick to your overall spending goal.
- Research Prices and Compare Options: Look up prices for the items and experiences on your list and compare costs at different stores or websites. This can help you find deals and avoid overpaying.
- Look for Sales and Deals Early: Take advantage of holiday sales, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to get better prices on gifts and decorations. Early shopping can help you avoid last-minute splurges.
- Use Cash or Debit to Limit Spending: Avoid using credit unless absolutely necessary, as it’s easy to overspend when you’re not seeing immediate deductions. Cash or a debit card can help keep you within your limits.
- Track Every Purchase: Record each purchase to see how it aligns with your budget. Apps or a simple spreadsheet can help you stay organized and make adjustments as needed.
- Find Budget-Friendly Alternatives: If your budget is tight, consider homemade gifts, potluck gatherings, or experiences rather than physical items. These options are often more personal and affordable.
- Set Aside a Contingency Fund: Unexpected expenses pop up—like last-minute gift exchanges or extra food for gatherings. Set aside a small amount (5-10% of your total budget) for these surprises.
- Review and Adjust as Needed: Check in on your budget regularly, especially as the holiday approaches. If you’re overspending in one category, adjust another to keep your total on track.
Download the Holiday Planner
It’s time to grab your free planner! To get your Free Holiday Planner, Click the link below to access the Free Resource Library.
Free Budgeting Resource Library
You will also be able to download other free budgeting resources to help you on your financial journey!
Let’s Celebrate Without Breaking the Bank!
I am so glad to be able to share resources that help you to reach your financial goals! I know that the holiday planner can help you to have a less chaotic holiday season, without breaking the bank! Thanksgiving is around the corner, and I truly hope (whether you celebrate the holiday season or not) that you take time for yourself to rest and reset.
If this planner has helped you, I would love for you to leave a comment below! Please share this with someone who could benefit from this planner and connect with me on social media: @TheSavingButterfly
