Episode 17 | 5 Ways To Ruin Your Finances This Christmas | Guest: Blair Graham

According to a recent survey, 21.5% percent went into debt over Christmas in 2019. Are you financially prepared for Christmas? In this episode, we consider five ways you can ruin your finances over the holidays and provide some practical tips to avoid them all.Listener questions answered:What is the best savings vehicle to start putting aside money for future weddings?If there is money left at the end of the month, do you suggest putting an additional amount in savings or use it as an additional principal payment on our mortgage?Other notes:How to ruin your finances this Christmas:1. Don’t plan. 2. Feel obligated to get everyone a gift.3. Go into debt for Christmas purchases. 4. Wait until the last minute to purchase gifts. 5. Pull back on your financial generosity to your church and others. Practical money tips for Christmas:1. Get a budget.2. Find cost-friendly gifts.3. DO NOT GET A STORE CREDIT CARD! 4. Give yourself time to find wallet-friendly, but good gifts.5. Be intentional about your generosity this Christmas.Episode Sponsor:Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/