How To Make More Room In Your Holiday Budget

American Investment Planners LLC

500 North Broadway, Suite 260, Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 932-5130 / (866) 932-5130

It's no secret that the holiday season is one of the most expensive times of the year, and because of that, it's not unusual for people to do just about anything to make more room in their budget for gifts, travel and holiday activities. But while you may think you have to go completely out of your way to have some extra cash in your pocket at the end of each week, the truth is that you really only need to make some minor adjustments to a few of your habits - take a look below to see what we mean:

Make lunch: Whether it's for you to take to work or for your children to take to school, make lunch at home a few times a week rather than eat out. Even if your normal lunch routines aren't too costly, every dollar you save can be used to buy the number one item on someone's wish list.

Carpool: Whenever possible - carpool. Although gas prices have been a bit more affordable lately, the less you take your car out, the less you have to spend fueling up. If you have plans to attend a holiday party, see who you can catch a ride with. Or, if you have coworkers who live nearby, create a schedule that allows you to alternate driving responsibilities throughout the week.

Revisit home services: Do you get hundreds of movie channels but feel like there is never anything to watch? As we approach the New Year, you may want to revisit some of the services you receive and see if there's anything you can live without - if those movie channels just aren't cutting it and keeping you entertained, that's something you may want to part with!

Be energy efficient: It's easy to leave your cell phone or computer charger plugged in, but even though you may not be actually charging something at the time, electricity is still being used (ever hear of phantom power?). With most everyone having some type of device they can't live without these days - a cell phone, tablet, computer - this is something every member of the family can work on to reduce utility bills.

DIY: If you need some repairs done around your home before guests arrive, see what you can DIY before calling in an expensive contractor. While some types of work will certainly require a professional, if you can do some of the job yourself, you can save a lot more than you spend.

Aside from making more room in your holiday budget, are you interested in making more room in your weekly budget? Monthly budget? Yearly budget? If you have yet to meet with a financial planner about the best way for you to achieve financial success, it's time to do so.

For more information about the services offered here at American Investment Planners LLC, please give us a call at (516) 932-5130 or visit us on our website.