How to Stretch Your Dollars Through the Holiday Season

The end-of-year-holidays are supposed to be all about taking a break from work and spending quality time with friends and family. Unfortunately, money worries often get in the way of having a truly carefree celebration.

The pressure to spend comes from almost every angle. Visiting relatives will often mean:

• Flights
• Accommodation
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Car rental
• Gas

Then there are the food and drink pressures. Everyone loves seasonal treats, but the excess doesn't just burst your belt, but your budget too.

Some people feel like they can’t live without decadent desserts and candy, while others like to include alcohol as an essential part of their celebrations. All of these items can make the cost of your shopping list soar.

No celebration would be complete without decorations.

Finally, there are the gifts to consider. This is where people are likely the last thing you want is to run up credit card bills and get stuck with interest payments long after the holiday is over.

The secret to saving at the holidays is to be as organized as possible in the months and weeks running up to Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and so on.