man looking at debt and adjusting budget for the holidays

Start The New Year Early By Adjusting Your Budget To Prepare For The Holidays

Spending too much for the holidays is easy, making having a budget an essential tool. Some people think budgets are restrictive, but they provide a sense of control and security. That brings peace of mind and adds to dollars in your wallet. 

The problem with holiday budgeting is that people wait until the last minute to do it. You are then, in essence, cramming three months of spending into one month. That is an excellent way to leave you in debt come January. 

You can start the new year early by adjusting your budget to prepare for this holiday season and the next. Planning for holiday spending all year will relieve some of the stress many feel around Christmas. Keep reading how to start the new year right with a well-planned budget.

How To Create A New Year's Budget

1. Look Over Your Income From Thanksgiving To New Year's Day

Add up your monthly expenses like utilities, car payments, credit card payments, food, and gas. The amount left is what you have right now to spend on the holidays. You must stick to that amount to avoid debt into the following year. 

woman plans new year budget

2. Do What You Did Again, But Calculate The Whole Year

If nothing changes, this will give you how much disposable income you have for the New Year. Decide how much money you want for the holidays versus vacations, other gifts, and entertainment. Use what you spend this year as a guide. Divide that by 52, which you must save every week specifically for the holiday season. 

3. Keep It In A Separate Fund

Some banks have Christmas savings accounts that gain some interest. Another way to go is to put that money on a pre-paid card in a drawer or somewhere safe until you are ready to use it. Just be sure to keep it!

4. Spread Out Your Purchases

Many people budgeting for Christmas buy gifts and decor yearly to spread the cost. A good practice is to buy some Christmas gifts when you go on vacation in the summer. Many vacation spots have local artisans who sell beautiful items. You can pick up a gift or two.

5. What Can You Do In A Financial Emergency?

You could be entering crisis mode with the holiday season in full swing. Adjusting may mean switching out food options, rearranging travel plans, or cutting back on gifts. Those who need extra cash to pay for all the unexpected expenses that come with the holidays, cold weather, and travel can look to Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. for help

Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. has one solid advantage over traditional lending institutions like banks. The advantage is they can get money to you fast. You can earn money the same day or the next day after approval. 

Most also allow those with bad or no credit to seek alternative lending options. Many options don't require credit checks, but consider your earnings to ensure repayment. Secured loans also don't need a credit check, opening opportunities for those who wouldn't gain bank approval. 

woman with cash

We offer title loans, payday loans, and lines of credit. Title loans range from $300 to $2,500. Payday loans range from $100 to $400. A line of credit, a flex loan, has a maximum borrowing limit of $4,000. 

Title and flex loans require a driver's license or state-issued ID, a clean title to your vehicle, the vehicle in your possession, and proof of income, such as the most recent pay stub. 

Payday loans with us require a driver's license or state-issued ID, your most recent pay stub, and a blank check from an active checking account that lists you as an account holder. 

Deciding On Options

A way to get information about all these options is to fill out the online inquiry form. It is sent to the nearest Tennessee Title Loans, Inc. store to you. A loan representative will contact you to discuss your needs and help you schedule an appointment at the store or a location that works best for you if you're looking for a title loan. 

Bring your required documentation for the loan representative to verify. They will inspect your vehicle for those seeking title or flex loans. After that, it's a matter of filling out some simple paperwork and getting a decision. Sometimes, that happens in as little as a half hour. Those who are approved get their money fast. That helps when you're stressed about an urgent repair or bill. 

Begin The Process Today!

Please complete the online inquiry form to see how Tennessee Title Loans Inc. can help you get the cash you need for emergencies during the holidays. That will help make your Christmas budget flow a little better and give you peace to know things like a car repair or unexpected travel expenses are resolved. Send in your form today and get the extra cash you need!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Mason Roberts

Mason Roberts is a seasoned economics writer and blogger with a knack for breaking down and simply communicating the ever-changing world of finance. He is philosophically committed to the premise that financial knowledge equals financial freedom.