If you're in the middle of the gift-giving cycle of Christmas, here's a simple, yet powerful technique to avoid going into trouble with your finances. Make a list and stick to it.
We want to get things for people. It's our nature. That's why we're people helpers in the first place. But for some, the desire to give comes with a heavy financial price: debt. But you can curb this tendency when you're in the thick of the shopping trip by preparing ahead of time and making a list. Then, when you're out there looking at "incredible-one-day-only" sales, you can check the list again. If it's not on the list, don't buy it.
A little secret stores don't want you to know: If you're coming in for one thing, you'll most likely leave with 7 things. That's the power of Wal-Mart. If you're going in for groceries, why not mosey over to the auto department and see how much those car air fresheners are? Before you know it, a trip to the store for a dozen eggs ends up a $270 venture complete with towels, makeup, air fresheners, cat food, pens, and a new chair for the office.
Lists, if used appropriately, create boundaries. Boundaries ensure safety. Use a list this Christmas and keep your finances under control. It will help you Serve Strong!
Photo Credit: www.lifeorganizers.com
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