I took a day off yesterday because I wanted to get ahead on the Christmas "to do" list. It started off really well. I had stay up pretty late the night before so I could get everything that I was sending out wrapped and packaged. I also took the time and handmade 2 items for my Bloggy Secret Santa. I was feeling ahead of the game.
I slept in a little but not too much. I got a few things done and then off I went to the post office with 2 parcels and 2 cards to be mailed. I had set aside some extra money in my budget for postage but I knew it wouldn't be enough quite since I was sending one extra parcel. But I never imagined that it was going to cost me $33.00! OUCH!
That put me into the money I had set aside to get my winter tires put on and do an oil change. I did a few more errands and went off to pick up a few items for another parcel that needed to be sent out. Then I realized... my friend is due to have a baby in a month and I hadn't included it in my budget. I also had neglected to budget for a gift for her son. I couldn't send a gift for the baby and not something for her son. That was the straw that broke the camels back because before that I had overspent on other items I had purchased.
I am a constant over spender when it comes to Christmas. I always want to pick up one more little thing. I was determined to keep it in check this year but I failed big time on that one. So the consequences are that I now have to take about just over $100 from what I was planning on paying credit card. I so disappointed in myself for over spending and for not planning better. I hope this is the last Christmas that is so challenging.
How are you doing on your Christmas budget and shopping?
Canada Post is SOO expensive!! I wish we had the same rates as the U.S! :( As for your budget, there are always little last minute items, don't beat yourself up! This is why I'm having a budget free December... lol! Bills are all getting paid, and food on the table, but other than that... It's anyone's guess! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou paid cash for almost everything so I really wouldn't beat yourself up over it. Besides I cant believe how expensive your postage it!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I ALWAYS overspend - hope that makes you feel better! So far I'm ok but once my December budget rolls out on Dec. 1st I just know I'll go in the hole. But it's only once a year (doing some rationalization here!)
ReplyDeleteShipping usually gets me... One year, the shipping was more expensive than the gift. That did it! I like Carla's idea of budget-free December, though!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing okay with my spending - mostly because my budget is $1,000, but I only allocate $725 to specific gifts. Which means, I have a ton of slush money for things that I forget about or go over on. I have a few things left to pick up, but I'm pretty much done!
ReplyDelete