It’s November which means the holidays are right around the corner and there are so many expenses that could be coming up on your to purchase list. Some are easy to think of – gifts but there are so many more to think about. Here are a few things you should remember to budget for this November!
Your November Budget
Holiday Dinner
Are you cooking Thanksgiving or Christmas or Hanukkah dinner? Maybe you’re providing the pies or the latkes or the lefsa? (If you’ve never had lefsa you’re invited to Christmas dinner.) If you’re providing anything you want to make sure you think about the ingredients and presentation you’re going to provide. Or just budget to call your local bakery and put your order in now. Bonus points if you support your local small business!
Gifts
Tis almost the season to gift. Set aside some money for each person who is lucky enough to be on your list! Focus on each person this year and resist the urge to go overboard – we are still going through a pandemic and experienced stressful election process, people are suffering so quite honestly, what people are unwrapping this holiday season isn’t going to make or break this year. Wine makes a great gift… just saying.
Travel
Are you traveling to see family this year? There are great deals on flights, so book one now and then make sure you stock up on anything you’ll need to make you feel safer. Masks, sanitizer, clorox wipes, whatever you need, make sure you think about it in your budget. If you’re going to drive, budget for gas, road snacks, hotels, and maybe a rental car.
Cards
Do you send out holiday cards? It’s just me and my nuggets so I don’t send any out but I know lots of singles who do! Or maybe it’s your thing and you’re already crafting your holiday letter for your card! Remember to budget for the cards, stamps, a photographer, and the liquor you’ll need when you and your partner have to stay up addressing all of them.
