The holidays carry a hefty tag.
All the gifts, travel, food, and entertainment can quickly drain your bank account.
Here are some tips for recovering from holiday overspending.
Make a plan
As always, your first step is to face the person in the mirror.
Get out your budget and take a hard look at where you stand financially.
Pore over your credit card and bank statements to get a detailed breakdown.
(Heres myguide to conducting a spending auditon yourself.)
Hey, maybe it’s not as bad as you think!
Or maybe it’s worse.
Either way, you better know.
Starting using a budgeting app
Apps likeYNABandGoodbudget(RIP Mint!)
can help you create a budget, track your spending, and set money saving goals.
The visualization and notifications they provide can keep you focused and motivated.
So go ahead and take unwanted gifts back to the storeto return them for a refund.
Every little bit you’ve got the option to recoup helps your financial recovery.
You may be able to return or exchange gifts that are unused and in original packaging.
Again, you may not even need a receipt.
If you received a defective gift that needs to be returned, that’s another story.
The good news: You have more consumer rights than you might think.
The bad: Some manufacturers will really make you fight for them.
Post on the companys Facebook page or tweet your complaint at them.
(Hey,it works for airlines.)
), reduce miscellaneous expenses, and pause nonessential subscriptions.
But with some planning and restraint, you’re able to bounce back after.
And next year, venture to make the holiday season about more than money-sucking excess.
you’ve got the option to remainintentional with your spendingwhile still embracing the spirit of the season.
