The Human Side Of Money presented by Client Care Lifestyle Financial Planning
As 2022 approaches its end and the new year starts together with our new hopes and aspirations, the festive season looms. The last few years have been tough on all of us, especially those who do not have limitless financial resources. Markets have tumbled twice in the last 3 years, temporary affecting our investments and interest rates have moved up 3.25% just in the last 11 months causing everyone’s debt (cars, houses, etc) to skyrocket. Most of us have had to tighten our belts which we all know ultimately affects our lifestyles.
We always look forward to December as it is a time when family reunites, we see old friends and we all aim to relax and have a festive time. At the same time, the festive season comes at a financial cost, and this can be the cause of disagreements and stress. Here are 3 points you can help you stress less this December while still making sure you have a memorable time.
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Agree on a December budget.
Agree on what you can spend over December in total then plan your activities around this. Set guidelines for Christmas gifts such as the maximum cost of presents or go the “secret Santa” route. Decide where and how many times the family is going to eat out and book ahead so it is something everyone can look forward to. You can plan your home meals, things like a burger night or pizza lunch allow you to control the cost of these special times and keeps everyone involved.
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Schedule activities and stay flexible.
Very often over December our homes are filled with family members of all ages, from Grandparents to toddlers. Consider activities that will appeal to the whole group and where some special family bonding can take place. Kids need to burn off energy and us oldies need time to relax and recuperate, so make sure that everyone gets some of what they need. If babysitters may be needed some of the time, plan this ahead.
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Preserve the memories.
Who knows when everyone will be together again so make sure that you take plenty of pics and even videos of the special moments. Thankfully our phones have camera’s that can help with this and help us share these moments with the whole group. These pics can be enjoyed over the next few months and for years to come.
Planning is the key to less stress and happy times, make sure you discuss as much as possible before the festive season and then enjoy the fruits!
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
Client Care Lifestyle Financial Planning
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