Have a Debt Free Holiday!
By: Kerri Cokeley
There is no doubt about it, the holidays are upon us. If you are like me, you are thinking where in the heck did this year go?!? Not only that, but I just finished paying off my expenses from last Christmas. This is the point where I start to stress out, bleh. (Insert hair pulling, eye crossing, and vigorous Nicorette chewing here.)
However, I am determined to find ways to let my friends and family know how much I care about them without breaking the bank this year. I’m also determined to become debt free in the new decade, and entering the New Year with a boatload of holiday debt is out of the question. But yet I ask myself, “Will I find a way to do this without feeling guilty?”
Just a few weeks ago, as my annual holiday stress started to ensue, I was happy to learn about a new workshop from our friends at the Southern Indiana Asset Building Coalition, “Have a Debt Free Holiday! Give more for less.” Each attendee will receive:
- At least one gift to give or to keep from their display of over 50 holiday gifts
- A list of over 250 ideas for holiday gift giving for $5 or less
- Holiday Spending Plan Worksheet-one for you and several to share with friends & family
- Fabulous refreshments
- A chance to win door prizes, and
- Great company!
No matter which holiday(s) you will be celebrating over the next few weeks, if gift giving is a part of your tradition, this is a great opportunity to learn and share ideas to do so in a more financially responsible way. This workshop will be held on Tuesday December 8th from 5:30-7:00pm at Community Action of Southern Indiana. RSVP’s can be made by calling Whitney Bishop at 812.206.7514.
As I think further about reducing my Christmas spending, I realize that have nothing to feel guilty about after all. Just because I will work to be more frugal, it doesn’t mean that I will be less thoughtful or that I care less about my loved ones. –What a blessing, and a gift, it would be to pass on to the children in my life (and remind the adults) that this holiday isn’t about material things.
My wish for us all is to enjoy the cheer and true spirit of the season!
Kerri – thank you so much. It’s through support from the Metro United Way that we can offer great programs like this! Our first one of the season, November 18th in New Albany, was a big hit. I was surprised at how many very nice gifts I could find within the $5 and under range. The discussion was lively, the tips were great and the reminder that gift giving from the heart doesn’t have to blow your budget was at the center of it all.
Please consider joining us for this fun event at another wonderful community resource,Community Action Southern Indiana.
Hope to see some familiar friends and make some new ones!
Whitney, we are very proud supporters of SIABC and are glad to see you all out there finding new ways to help families build financial security!
I linked to this post on my personal facebook page and got some really wonderful responses – here are a few:
“I already called and rserved my spot on the the 8th…. at the CASI site….. can’t wait to see what great info they got….” – Nicci
“CooperGreat article, much needed topic, Kerri. In finance, it saddens me everyday I see the damage debt has done to our society and set so many wonderful people back, sometimes for good. We need more messages like this. I like the message that it’s okay to celebrate Christmas for what it truly means without all the expensive fanfare.” – Gary
“Good start. We went into the New year without Christmas debt. I know you like to cook. Cookies are always welcome. Believe me…My boss bakes and I have convinced her that cookies are a good present and shows a lot of caring.” – Paula