The holidays are probably the few times when people collectively lose all sense about their finances, outside of purchasing a new home, planning for a wedding, and preparing for a new baby. Fortunately, holiday spending is where people can have a great amount of control over how much they choose to spend.

In fact, some people opt not to spend money for the holidays at all!

While most of us have no desire to go to that extreme, almost everyone can benefit from keeping a closer eye on holiday spending. Not only does holiday spending add up, it happens year after year – eventually accumulating into an avalanche of lost earnings.

Often people let excessive holiday spending sabotage their future successes. People often start the new year with credit card debt from the previous year’s shopping binge. Why set yourself up for a poor start and very little to show for it?

What if you could channel that money into more positive, lasting endeavors? What if you could use some of that money for experiences rather than stuff and holiday decorations that you’re only going to pull out for one or two months every year?

Aside from typical big life events, think of the ways that having a budget can help you with your future successes.

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