The last few years I have had a real problem shopping for Christmas presents. This year its only mid November and I have already blown through the majority of my check for the month between my expenses and gifts. I get paid on the third. I can’t help myself. I enjoy shopping for others and it helps me to stay occupied.
Thank God, I am only buying things I’m fairly certain that people will like, so its slowing me down some. I’m running out of ideas but am still looking.
Anywho, point is, I will soon be into savings and I am overspending.
I won’t be able to get presents for people this year. I get carried away too. But this year I don’t have any extra for gifts. I don’t think people expect them from me, I just like trying to think of something they would like but never buy for themselves. My brother’s and his son’s birthday is on Dec 31st (yup, same day) so I will try to do something for that.
Sounds like you need a budget. You also don’t have to buy people new things. My daughter is getting seriously into photography and I’m buying her some lenses for her camera, but they’re used and in great shape. 1/6 the price of a new lens.