How A Calendar Budget Can Help You Prepare For Christmas

Many people find Christmas challenging because of all the expenses that occur in a short period. The good thing is, instead of dealing with these expenses alone, you can actually alleviate these expenses by having a calendar budget. Having this kind of budget means you take the time to create a budget calendar for the month leading up to the big holiday celebrations. And it doesn’t have to be difficult to create this kind of calendar, even if you are just starting to budget as a beginner.

5 Steps To Creating A Budget Calendar

When it comes to creating a budget calendar, all you have to do is dedicate some time to collect your expenses and make note of all the reoccurring dates. Just like a regular calendar keeps track of your upcoming events and plans, your budget calendar does the same with your expenses. And if this is starting to sound confusing, it really isn’t! Just follow the following five steps to start creating your calendar budget!

1. List Paycheck Days

The first thing you need to do is mark down all the days when you know you will get paid. First, list your paydays and approximate amounts of your paychecks for the next month through New Year's Day. Doing this lets you know when you will have the money you need to spend and just how much you can spend at one time. Make sure you include every penny you make.

2. Insert All Your Regular Bills

The next thing you need to do is make a note of your regular bills. These are the expenses you need to make in order to live your life normally. Make sure you are including all of your expenses that are essential and that happen regularly. Putting your regular bills into the calendar gives you a glimpse at what your disposable income looks like. And there are multiple ways for you to track your expenses easily.

3. Put In All Your Variable And Holiday Expenses

After you’ve included all of your regular expenses, you will then need to include all of your variable and holiday expenses in your calendar budget. Variable expenses are things that can fluctuate over a period of time – so things like groceries and gas. Make sure you are also adding things like extra food for the holidays, shopping for gifts, and extra holiday items as needed.

4. List Events And Activities

The last thing you need to include are your events and activities. These are special events, holiday parties, Christmas shows, recitals, seeing Santa, parades, and other unique events that happen during the holidays. You may need extra gas for travel, to make cookies to take to school, a special dinner after a recital, or a hostess gift to take to a party. Make sure you add the cost associated with every event. 

5. Adjust Your Month

Now that you can see your entire holiday season at a glance, you can decide which paycheck can adequately pay for all your fixed, variable, and holiday expenses. Add up your expenses for the week and compare them to your pay and when you are paid. Knowing where you are falling short enables you to plan to save ahead on weeks you are flush. 

What Happens If Emergencies Hit?

Even those who carefully plot out their holiday budget can run into an emergency where they need extra money fast. You never know what can happen and emergencies don't take a holiday off. While bank loans may be limited in this economy or not fast enough, there are other options. If you are in need of quick money, come see us at Southwest Title Loans for our title loans and registration loans.

Title Loans

Getting a title loan in Arizona means using your vehicle’s lien-free title as collateral. We offer a this loan for amounts up to $15,000 based on the value and condition of your vehicle. Those wanting a title loan will need a driver's license or state-issued photo ID to prove they aren’t a minor. You’ll also need the lien-free vehicle title in your name and the vehicle available for a quick inspection.

Registration Loans

If you don’t have a lien-free vehicle title or are still making car payments, you can instead look into a car registration loan for fast money. With this loan, you can get between $200 to $1,600. If you are interested, you will need a valid Arizona driver's license or government-issued photo ID, an Arizona vehicle registration in your name, a blank check from an active checking account in your name, and a valid Social Security number. We will also run a quick credit check instead of the vehicle inspection. 

Get Started On Your Calendar Budget Right Now

This holiday don’t let the expenses ruin you financially. You now know the five steps you need to take to make a budget calendar work for you! Now all you need to do is sit down and begin organizing your calendar budget right now. It doesn’t have to be difficult, just follow these steps and you’ll be on your way. And if you run into an emergency, remember we here at Southwest Title Loans can help you get a title loan or registration loan. Fill out the online form on our website to learn more!

 

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