Preventing the 'after-the-holidays bill blues'

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFNS) --  Walking through a shopping mall, it's difficult not to notice holiday decorations, crowded stores and retailers claiming to offer the best deals of the season.

Before pulling out their wallets, Airmen are encouraged to keep a few things in mind to help prevent the "after-the-holidays bill blues."

The Airman and Family Readiness Center staff offers the following 10 tips on how to spend smarter for the holiday season:

10. Be proactive. Plan ahead starting in January. Start a holiday saving fund 11 months in advance. Factor in gifts, decorations, food and entertainment. Also take advantage of after holiday sales.

9. Make a holiday spending budget and stick to it. Shoppers should figure out how much they can afford to spend; not how much they want to spend. Really discipline yourself, and if you think you're going to overspend, do not bring credit cards. If tempted to overspend, put credit cards in a plastic bag of water and freeze them. Use a list and cash to pay for gifts. According to the Airman and Family Readiness Center, studies show that people spend 25 to 35 percent more when using a credit card.

8. Not every purchase has to be brand new. Scan the Internet, second hand stores, newspapers, outlets, flea markets and auctions for gently used items.

7. Couples communication. If purchasing gifts together for a third party, discuss a list and budget collectively.

6. Create a shopping list and include prices. Write down each person and indicate gift ideas. Once complete, shop around for the best price.

5. Don't become overwhelmed with gift buying. If unable to stay within a budget, consider shortening the list. Discuss drawing names and purchase one gift instead of many.

4. Keep receipts. Keep receipts in a separate envelope. Customer receipts are used for proof of purchase, customer return/exchange and in case an item goes on sale. Find out what the store's policy is before purchase.

3. Craft a gift. Home-made gift ideas are typically less expensive. Hand make a gifts card which permit the receiver to free babysitting, dog-walking and/or a car wash. Make a batch of cookies for friends and/or family.

2. Think practical. Consider giving gifts people use most. Additionally, instead of giving children cash-in-hand start a savings bond.

1. Keep in mind the reason for the season. 

If someone gives a gift, it does not constitute a gift in return, said R.D. Smith, a 509th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. Gift-giving should be about the holiday and not stress because someone can't afford to buy everyone they know a gift.

Mr. Smith also reminded patrons to protect their identity at all times by using secure payment methods and by using credit cards responsibly.

"Typically when people carry balances on credit cards, they pay twice as much for the item in time through interest rates," Mr. Smith said. "If possible, pay the credit card off the next month to avoid paying exorbitant rates."

The true meaning of the holidays; however, has little to do with money, according to one Airman and Family Readiness Center member.

"Make your holidays a time for living, laughing, and loving," said Deborah Kermick, a 509th FSS community readiness technician. "Intangibles like these are what money can't buy and they make for an enduring, fulfilling and flourishing life."

For more information or assistance regarding holiday spending and shopping ideas, Airmen should contact their local Airman and Family Readiness Center.