It’s hard to imagine that it is already November 1st. Maybe that is due to the fact I am in Phoenix, Arizona and it is still over 90 degrees outside. Or maybe it is due to the fact that I am somewhat in denial that the holiday season is right around the corner. Didn’t we just have the holidays? Do we really have to do this same drill every year???

I know what you are thinking… my Halloween pumpkin isn’t even moldy yet. Why are you talking about the holidays?

It is simple, let this blog entry be a wake-up call to all you out there. Holiday spending is right around the corner. If you listen hard enough you can already hear the Christmas jingles on the radio… Don’t hear them yet? Just give it another week or two.

The holiday season can be so much fun, but so darn expensive. Now is the time to figure out a budget to determine how much money you are able to spend on the holidays. Seriously, take some time to go through your bank account and friends/family list. Figure out how many of your friends/family you will by buying gifts for, and how much you will need to spend on each.

Ok, do you have that total ready yet?

Well take that number and add about another $100 just to be safe. You will always end up spending a little more on gifts than you planned for. The basic rule for holiday planning is plan for the unplanned. I know it is a mouthful to say, but its important to understand.

Why is that?

You will always have a friend or family member you didn’t think you would be receiving a gift from, come to you with a last minute wacky present. For that reason be ready with a crazy excuse why you didn’t get to go holiday shopping yet. And also, be ready to shell out a few bucks here and there to reciprocate those holiday wishes.

This is the most expensive time of the year for most people. Whether you are traveling home to be with your parents and see old childhood friends on Thanksgiving, or just staying on campus… you will not be in class, and that usually means many trips to malls, restaurants, movies, and events.

Let me be the first to wish you and your family a happy November and a merry holiday budgeting session.