Budget Blasters (Part 1)  
Did you know that the average American spends $700 to $1,600 throughout the winter holiday season?  According to the National Retail Federation, the winter holidays see more than 16 times the spending than the next biggest holiday, Valentine's Day. an>

And here's the catch:  those Americans who are spending an average of $1,600 on holiday purchases are over their budget by $700.   Chances are, if you don't have a budget and a plan for holiday spending, you will spend too much as well.

You know you have spent too much if you still owe money after the holiday has ended.  How does this happen?

• Buying on credit (including buy-now-pay-later plans):   It's all too easy to think of it as not really spending money.  However, the typical inte5rest rate can drag those holidays on—like the neighbors who stick around long after the New Year's party ends.
• Shopping without a list:   Or shopping with a list of concepts without prices or alternatives.
• Incidental costs:   wrapping, cards, and postage add up.  If you are traveling, it is easy to forget to include costs like pet care, tips, fuel, eating out, parking, tolls, etc.
• Last minute shopping:   you think your hitting the sales, but you risk getting hit up, instead.

have the courage to question & challenge the status quo... refuse to accept "traditional" thinking and answers as fact....
~Kimlee