Prioritizing What Is Important Can Help You Organize Your Holiday Budget

The holidays can be a difficult time for family finances. We want to shower the people we love with tokens of our affections, but we don't want to break the bank.



In his book The Simple Dollar, author Trent Hamm brings up an important budgeting concept that applies amazingly well to the holidays:

If there's a single overriding point ... it's this: Money is nothing more than a tool with which you can create the life you truly want. The true challenge is knowing what you truly want, taking control of your situation, and putting yourself in a position to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way while protecting yourself from the obstacles life throws at all of us.

Before you buy up every toy on your child's list or splurge for a dream vacation for your husband, pause and think about Trent's quote:


What matters most to you in life?
What kind of life do you truly want?
Do you have a financial safety net for when life throws obstacles at you?
Do you have a budget and know exactly where your money goes?


Once you have these questions answered, then you can determine how much money you really have and want to spend on holiday gifts. You still need to save money this month. You still need to pay your bills. You still need to live in a way that doesn't throw you into debt and keep you from living the life you desire.



Living an organized and uncluttered life includes managing and maintaining a budget -- it also means knowing what is important, truly important to you and always keeping these important things at the top of your list of priorities.