The song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” While that may be true, it is also the most expensive. You know the drill. Every year you wind up spending way more than you intended to get your friends and loved ones just the right gift. And every year you could count on your steady paycheck to replenish those funds.
That is, every year until now.
Now that you’ve cheerfully left the daily work grind behind, the money flow is a bit more one-sided. What goes out, does not necessarily come back in.
So, yes. Life on a retirement budget means being judicious about spending. But it does not mean you can’t find creative, wonderful ways to shower your loved ones with, well…love. Here are a few tips to keep this holiday season from breaking the retirement bank.
Set a Holiday Budget – and Stick to it!
Take a moment to decide exactly how much you can afford to comfortably spend this season. List all the expenses associated with holiday time, including groceries, decorations, and travel as well as gifts. Once you have parameters for spending it will be easier to stay within them.
Credit Cards: Use Them Wisely and Strategically
Credit card reward points can be a beautiful thing, as long as you don’t get carried away with the spending. The season won’t be so jolly if it ends with credit card debt you weren’t bargaining for.
Take Advantage of Online Promotion Codes
It’s fun to get into the holiday spirit at the mall, but the real deals are online. So, slip into your fluffy footwear, get cozy at the computer and start looking for discounts and free shipping. Stores like The Gap can slash their prices by up to 50%. Your loved ones will look sharp and you will have plenty of cash left over to take them to lunch and a movie. One way to save even more money is to bundle your gifts into one order. The more you buy, the more likely you are to get free shipping.
Old Gift Cards
Who doesn’t have an old unused gift card or two lying around? Make sure they are not expired and put them to good use this season.
Some Gifts are Priceless
Nothing says I love you better than the gift of, well…you. At this stage of the game, you have so much to share. Now is the perfect time to pass along your heirlooms, talents, and wisdom to your younger family members.
· Frame an old photograph of you in your prime. Wrap it with a bow and voila. A loving, meaningful holiday gift for your kids and their kids.
· Or maybe you have a special recipe book. Pick your favorite and schedule a time to cook a meal together.
· Choose a beloved family treasure and make it this year’s holiday gift. Better yet, let the kids take a tour down memory lane with you and pick something that will always remind them of you.
· If crafts are your thing, now that you’ve got the time, whip out those knitting needles. Or get together with some friends for a scrapbook session. Your friends and family will appreciate a gift made by your loving hands.
The Perfect Gift for You – and Your Family
Rightsize into one of Overture’s premier senior apartment communities, and you’ll give yourself and your kids a gift that will last for seasons to come. You will find a warm and inviting community with whom to share this special time of life. Your kids will take comfort in knowing you are safe and happily ensconced in the ultimate retirement experience. Book a tour today.
Overture: Truly the holiday gift that keeps on giving.