This holiday season will be the same as ever.
You know, Aunt Kathy distributing plastic-wrapped fruit cake into everyone's stocking. Your body engulfed by your grandma's usual "interesting" Christmas sweaters. And attempts to distract your parents with Scrabble to avoid that age old question of "Why are you still single?" And inevitably, a pile of big bills and a less-than-full bank account come January.
Do you have that little black dress for New Years Eve? Nope. Nice gifts for your friends and family? Nope. Can you afford your yearly holiday experiences, like hitting the hills to conquer some fresh powder?
Ummmmm, well, no.
All these coveted things tend to be very expensive, and you have no choice but to deal with it - fast.
To help you out, we've compiled this list of tips to help you take a few financial steps forward and manage your holiday budget better. Don't worry - they're really easy!
Be creative
You might be surprised to know how much being creative really pays off. Instead of getting your friends pricey presents, distribute gifts that are of sentimental value - like cards that you've decorated yourself. Pay a visit to the local dollar store for everything you need, and before you know it you've automatically saved money.
Be resourceful
When it comes to special occasions, it's easy to forget about your credit card debt. You're eyeing a little black dress for New Years Eve - but the price is hefty for a clothing item you might only wear once or twice. Instead, consider swapping dresses with a friend. Another great idea? Opt for some fun at your friend's place instead of a pricey event. You'll likely have just as much fun as you would otherwise - for zero dollars.
Stay on track with your bills
During the holiday season we tend to use certain things more than usual. Take for example your cell phone or the heat in your apartment. We all use more energy in the winter months which means your heating bills can be higher than the rest of the year. Luckily, monitor the amount of money you're spending. You can easily track your heating bill spending  and set alerts to remind you when you reach a certain limit.
Make a budget
Budgeting doesn't have to be difficult, especially if you give yourself time to look ahead and list your priorities. When it comes to your friends, create a simple spreadsheet and include the amount of cash you'll have to spend on each one. Doing this can motivate you to find something affordable, preventing you from being stressed.
Subscribe to newsletters
Ok, so this one might look a little daunting, but it can really help you out. Subscribing to a few newsletters will keep you in the know about the season's best deals so you don't get ripped off spending money somewhere else. You wouldn't believe the kinds of amazing deals that will land in your inbox. What's also nice is that you can always unsubscribe.
Team up for gift-giving
If you have your eye on a really expensive gift for your parents then this is a great idea. Try splitting the cost of a present between you and your sibling, and you'll end up spending less than what you would have otherwise. You can also team up with your friends, or better yet, host a Secret Santa gift exchange!
Cut back on little things
It's amazing how incredibly fast the little things can add up. We're talking about those decadent peppermint mochas covered with whipped cream, the new scarf you bought for yourself, and a splurge to upgrade your computer when it's still working perfectly fine. Avoid the small expenses by evaluating what you really need and really don't during the holidays.
is a great primer for the year ahead. You'll be more conscious of your spending on a daily basis and prepared to use these tips regularly. By using , you'll be able to monitor your usage on a daily basis so there aren't any surprises.
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