You may not think of including Thanksgiving and Halloween in your budget and before you know it, it’s the Holidays. Once they’re upon us, it’s too late to budget for it!

The little things add up quickly and occasions like Thanksgiving and Halloween are no exception. Although they may seem like low cost holidays,it doesn’t take much for the things like travel, extra food and drink crazy costumes and fun parties to add up.

It doesn’t take long to quickly review your holiday plans, add up the estimated costs and draft a budget. Don’t forget hostess gifts, travel, special events and any clothes you expect to buy. What does it total? Do you think you can save that amount by the time the holiday season arrives? Are you prepared to adjust your plans?

Now is the time to figure out how to pay for it. Extra shifts at work, a part time job or reduce what you spend on regular monthly items to bring in the money you want for the holiday plan. Put the money in a separate account or safe place so that it’s there when you need it.

It will feel awesome to have a holiday season without the financial stress of impending bills!