I’m not sure if you know it, but we are Dave Ramsey freaks. And just in time, too. We started buckling down and paying off debt about 3 months before we were found we were pregnant with our first baby. Since our plan was always that I would stay home, it was none too soon! Since I was blessedly laid-off prior to my quitting, my severance and insurance paved the way to finish our debt snowball.
Ever since, we have operated by cash on hand only and let me tell you, it hasn’t always been easy! Especially since we are self-employed, but I couldn’t have stayed home any other way. When I was given the opportunity to review Debt-Proof Your Christmas by Mary Hunt, I jumped at the opportunity. I’m always excited about an opportunity to share about the beauty of using cash AND simplifying Christmas so that it’s enjoyable and not dreaded.
As someone who has been debt-free for over 5 years now, I have to say that I loved Debt-Proof Your Christmas. Mary Hunt starts out with a bit of her story and a bit of how to turn around your thinking AND doing for this holiday season. Even if you are starting RIGHT NOW! I will warn you in advance. It’s not fun. And unreasonable people might get angry with you. I’ve not had that experience, but I know there are families that go ALL. OUT. for Christmas and get mad when you rock the boat. Too bad.
She has several chapters on gift giving, including finding bargains, suggestions for limiting it while still having fun as well as many different homemade picks. In fact, I was feeling pretty much like Scrooge this year (morning sickness doesn’t help) and she kind of turned me around with all her great ideas for fun, frugal and homemade gifts (even though I purchased them all on Black Friday at a local shop–I am a realist if nothing else). Finally, she talks about fun family traditions, home decorations, and entertaining.
So. If you are feeling overwhelmed by Christmas (already!) and are worried about drowning in debt and making ends meet come January, this is a great resource! It has great ideas and tips for everything surrounding your Christmas season for free or on the cheap. Go check it out today!
