If you don’t have a budget, or you haven’t looked at your budget in a while, now’s the time to do it. A budget is like your money road map for the holidays. 

Write down your expected holiday expenses, such as gifts, food, entertainment, parties and travel. Next, decide how much you want to spend for each and write that down too. Then you can track your purchases and make sure you stay on budget. 

Tip: Try to pay in cash if you can. That way, you won’t overspend and have to pay off a credit card later.  

Lists aren’t just for Santa. Start by making a list of the people you’re buying gifts for, and what you want to give each person. Have a price range in mind so you stay within your budget.

As you begin to shop, make sure you’re comparison shopping – shopping online is an easy way to do that. Keep an eye out for free shipping and coupon codes to save a little extra money, too. 

There are good deals after Thanksgiving, but shopping early is extra important this year, so doing it now will make the holidays a little less hectic. 

There are other lists to make too. If you’re hosting this year, grocery shopping lists are helpful to stay organized and stay within your budget.

Making a list of what you want to serve or bring to gatherings is useful too. Keep an eye out now for sales on items you can freeze and use during the holiday season to avoid higher prices and item unavailability.

Remember how we suggested you include parties and entertainment in your budget? Make a list of those, too. It might help you trim out some things that you won’t have to spend money on. 

There are a few other things to think about before the season starts. Start saving now so you have some wiggle room later. 

If you’re traveling over the holidays, start planning now to find deals on hotels and plane tickets. 

Want to buy more gifts for your loved ones? Look at your budget and see if you can cut back on nonessential things such as last-minute trips and eating out. 

Look at pausing a streaming service, and contact cable and phone companies to see if you can lower your bill. 

Check around your house – you may discover some items to regift. You’re not using it, so why not gift it to someone else? 

Try to resist tapping into your savings account, unless you have money specifically set aside for the holidays. 

Finally, start planning and saving for next year – your budget will thank you.