Here are 3 tips from The Money Couple® Scott and Bethany Palmer to “Get Ready, Get Set & Go” this holiday season: Kohl’s, Macy’s, and JCPenney’s will all be open on Thanksgiving – all to lure us in for the spendiest season of the year. According to The National Retail Federation (annual holiday spending survey), the average person celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah will spend $804.42 this season — an increase of nearly 5% from last year’s average of $767.27 – and every store is in a race for those dollars NOW!

GET READY!
We know, we know “make a list and check it twice” – but how do you make your list that has impact and meaning? You INDIVIDUALIZE it! Make your holiday shopping list with THEM in mind, not you! There are 5 different ways we receive gifts.

1. Some don’t want you to spend a lot of money (Savers)
2. Some like the lavish gifts (Spenders)
3. Some like something different (Risk Takers)
4. Some like things that are practical (Security Seekers)
5. Some like gifts that foster your relationship (Flyers)

GET SET!
Set expectations with yourself or your spouse. Who is getting what and how much are you going to spend? Also, be sure to set expectations with family members. If this has been a trying money year, then there is nothing wrong with a little “warning.” Your “warning” could go something like this, “Been a little rough this year, so we are going to be going a little lighter but doesn’t mean we don’t love you a ton.” Nothing says “Bah Humbug” more than money fights and broken expectations during the holidays.

GO!
If you have “gotten ready and set,” then you are now ready to go and enjoy buying and giving your gifts. We all know a budget is a good idea, but don’t forget the “other side of money” – the relationship side.