holiday Archives - Our Bill Pickle

Three things to do after overspending during the holidays

October 20, 2020

Despite having the best of intentions, you end up overspending during the holidays. Here are three ways to get your budget back on track.

It can happen to anyone: despite the best of intentions, you end up overspending during the holidays.

Even if you’re not a big Christmas person, it can be easy to get swept up in the magic of the season — the lights, the gifts, the delicious seasonal beverages.

It’s wonderful…until January hits and you come face to face with your credit card bill and ask yourself what the heck happened.

There’s good news, though: if you over-extend your budget during the holiday season, it is absolutely possible to get it back on track.

Here are three simple and effective things you can do.

Five tips for a stress-free holiday

October 15, 2020

The idea of a stress-free holiday may sound impossible. Here are 5 things you can do to encourage a stress-free holiday season this year.

For some, the idea of a stress-free holiday may sound impossible.

It can be a very busy — and expensive — time of year, a time with lots to do and what can often feel like not nearly enough time to get it all done. Even if you love it (like I do), it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

I’m always looking for ways to reduce the amount of overwhelm associated with the holiday season.

And while I’m certainly not an expert on the matter, I have learned a few things that have helped tamp down the stress level and create more space for enjoyment.

10 stocking stuffer ideas that won’t break the bank

October 13, 2020

Looking for cheap stocking stuffer ideas?

Stocking are one of those things that can easily slip the mind during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

They can also get pricey, depending on how many you’re filling.

But they don’t have to be. Here are some of my favourite stocking stuffer ideas that work for just about anyone and won’t break the bank.

Five tips for building a realistic holiday budget

October 8, 2020

Learning how to set a realistic holiday budget takes time and practice. Here are five of my favourite tips and tricks from over the years.

Learning how to set a realistic holiday budget takes time and practice. Or it did for me, at least.

As much as I would love to say I’ve always been on point with every element of my holiday budget, my January credit card statements say otherwise.

But over time, I’ve learned and improved. And little by little, I’ve refined my holiday budgeting skills to what they are today: better, but still a work-in-progress.

Looking to improve your holiday budget this year? Here are some of my favourite tips for creating a more realistic holiday budget.

Four reasons to start planning for Christmas today

July 11, 2019

Four reasons to start planning for Christmas in July

There are two common reactions when I tell people I start planning for Christmas in July.

In one camp, people are shocked. “It’s July!” they says. “Who starts thinking about Christmas in July?”

And in the other camp are those who have the answer: people who want to save money — and maybe a bit of their sanity, too.

Planning for Christmas in July has made a big difference for me, both when it comes to finances and enjoyment of the season. But here’s the thing: while I chose July to start, the actual month is not all that important.

In fact, the best time to start planning for Christmas is right now. Today. As you read this.

Here’s why.