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HOLIDAY MONEY

Holidays Without Debt

A 6-step budget you can make this week.

Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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§ 1 · BUDGET

Set One Number

Start with what is left after December rent, bills and groceries.

Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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§ 2 · BUDGET

Split It Up

Gifts, food, travel, decorations and a small cushion for surprises.

Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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§ 3 · BUDGET

Limit Per Person

List every name, give each a dollar limit and track what you spend.

Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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§ 4 · BUDGET

Pay Smart

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

$1 Trillion Season

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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Thanks for Reading

The full 6-step plan, hidden costs and a January payoff plan, in our full guide.

Photo: Bim24 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)