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HOLIDAY MONEY
A 6-step budget you can make this week.
Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
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§ 1 · BUDGET
Start with what is left after December rent, bills and groceries.
Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
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§ 2 · BUDGET
Gifts, food, travel, decorations and a small cushion for surprises.
Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
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§ 3 · BUDGET
List every name, give each a dollar limit and track what you spend.
Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
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§ 4 · BUDGET
Cash or debit, or a card you pay in full. Skip store cards with high rates.
Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
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§ 5 · BUDGET
The NRF expects holiday sales near $1.01 trillion. Shop from your list, not the ads.
Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
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The full 6-step plan, hidden costs and a January payoff plan, in our full guide.
Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)