Holiday Spending Plan Template

[Danielle]

Had a great Lunch & Learn at Columbus State today. We discussed how to put together a Holiday Spending Plan. So, I thought I'd load it here for each of you to use at your leisure!

(You can either open this and print a hard copy, or use it as an Excel worksheet and it will automatically calculate totals for you)

Instructions for the spending plan:
1. Determine a TOTAL number that realistically represents what you can spend this holiday season without going into debt. This number should include gifts, entertaining costs, decorations, gift wrapping, cards and postage, travel, etc. etc. Enter this number at the top for your target number.

2. Enter the names of each person you want to provide a gift for (include anything you might be giving for your babysitter, petsitter, hairdresser, children's bus driver, mail carrier, etc. etc.) and enter a number you plan to spend for that individual. The number may be zero if you plan on a non-traditional gift.

3. Enter numbers for each remaining expense category (travel, food, decorations, etc.)

4. Check to see if your "difference" between your projected expense and your target number is to the good. If not, you'll need to go back and re-evaluate some of your gift or entertaining choices.

5. Carry the list with you when you do your holiday shopping. Once you make a purchase, record the actual amount spent next to each person's name.

6. Monitor to make sure your actual expense does not exceed your projected expense in total.

Enjoy a holiday season that doesn't leave you swimming in debt!