Christmas Loan 2018

You can get great gifts this Christmas without spending a lot. Whether you plan to get a Christmas loan or not, there are many presents that won't break the bank.

According to a recent Gallup poll, U.S. shoppers plan to spend an average of $752 on Christmas presents this year. That’s down seven percent from last year. This is good news for retailers, but for many families on a paycheck-to-paycheck budget, it means either stretching the pocketbook or taking out a loan to get the money needed to pay for the most expensive holiday of the year. If you find yourself on the wrong side of your next paycheck, we can help you get started as you look for a Christmas loan advance in 2018.  

Why Christmas Can Be Dangerous to your Finances

It’s hard enough to fight debt when you’re only buying necessities for yourself, but when Christmas rolls around, you’re compelled to spend money on friends and family. If you aren’t careful, you can quickly take on an overwhelming amount of debt. Resist the temptation to spend more than you should. A little voice inside your head might try to convince you that it’s okay to spend a lot if it’s for someone else. But that’s just not true. We recommend that you shop within your means. We understand how hard this can be at Christmastime, especially when you have kids. Just try your best.  

Remember How Christmas Payday Advance Cash Works

Some people use a cash advance like it’s free money. It’s not. It’s your next paycheck, early. The money, combined with whatever savings you have, will need to last you all the way until your next paycheck. That could be nearly a month away.  

Popular Holiday Items for Christmas 2018

Almost every finance blog on the Internet is going to have an article about the hottest Christmas gifts. What you should know is that most of these blogs are getting paid to sell you the items they recommend. Certain stores pay bloggers more than others, which is why these articles will often recommend you purchase the gifts from a particular retailer. If you blindly follow their links, you’ll likely end up paying more because of this arrangement. That’s why we recommend shopping around and finding the best deal. Don’t trust any store to have the lowest prices on everything. You’ll save more if you shop around.

Holiday Fun for Less

You can get great gifts this Christmas without spending a lot. Whether you plan to get a Christmas payday advance loan or not, these presents won't break the bank:

• Consider buying used items for your kids’ gifts. Remember, Santa rarely delivers gifts in their original packaging. They’re usually set up in front of the Christmas tree. So it doesn’t matter if they're already open.
• Avoid holiday sales and head to the clearance section, which has items that are actually on discount.
• Never pay for shipping. Most stores offer coupon codes or deals on free shipping if you spend a certain amount. So you should never actually pay extra for shipping.
• When possible, make a gift instead of buying one: A craft made with love is better than any gift you can buy.
• Nip it in the bud and make sure your kids don’t expect too many presents. Tell them to keep their list for Santa down to a couple of items each.

Shopping without a calculator is dangerous. Figure out how much you’ll be able to spend on Christmas this year, and then keep an eye on the total amount spent so far.  

How to Balance Your Finances in the New Year

If you relied too much on credit this year, now’s the perfect time to plan out a new budget. It can be your New Year’s resolution. Here’s a list of five tricks that can help you get your bank account back on track:

• Consolidate your debt into one account with the lowest possible interest rate. If you can qualify for one, consider applying for a Balance Transfer credit card, which may offer zero-percent APR for up to 18-months.
• Repair instead of replacing. Make it the year you get by with what you have. If one of your major appliances breaks down, see how much it’ll cost to get it repaired instead of replaced.
• Reward yourself with moments instead of items. After a long day of work, you may want to treat yourself to a nice meal. Treat yourself to a warm bath or a book you already own instead. Rewarding yourself with items you already have will save you money.
• Get the family involved. Let the kids know that the entire family will be happier when you’re no longer in debt. Ask them for help in deciding how to cut costs. If you make them part of the planning process, then they’ll be more excited about spending less.
• Sell instead of storing. If you’re paying for a storage locker, it might be time to sell those items instead of storing them. You’ll save on storage fees. The money you make from selling the items can go toward paying off your debt.

Take it one step at a time. You won’t revamp your budget overnight. But bit by bit you will be able to fix your finances. If you make another mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it. Get back on that horse and try again. We hope you have a great Christmas this year. Please shop smart and be safe. Happy holidays from OpenCashAdvance.