December is known as the festive month in which the wallet is often stretched heavily. With Sinterklaas, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, expenses follow each other in quick succession. For many people this means a lot of pressure on the budget.
As of today, interested parties can contact cultural and social organization Facet in Emmen and the surrounding area for free money advice. Budget coach Sylvia Draaier helps visitors during consultation hours to gain an overview of their income and expenses. Together they then make a plan for a quiet December.
According to Draaier, it is especially important to consciously think about your expenses now. “It’s tempting to buy all kinds of offers and festive extras straight away, but by making choices and planning you can prevent impulse purchases from putting pressure on your budget. November and December are ideal months to start doing this,” she says.
Draaier emphasizes that it is important to have a good insight into where your money goes. “Many people do things on autopilot and have no idea how much they are actually spending. Together we look at your spending habits and provide tips on how to use your money smarter. That can make all the difference during the holidays.” She also recommends keeping receipts: anyone who wants to return something can easily get a refund.
In addition, according to the budget coach, it is useful to use offers intelligently. You can already buy and freeze products for Christmas dinner, so you can benefit from discounts without spending too much at the end of the year. Draaier emphasizes that it doesn’t have to be complicated: “If you’re good at making meatballs, for example, just make delicious meatballs. The point is to have a fun party without increasing your financial worries.”
For those who want advice themselves, Facet organizes various free consultation hours in Drenthe, including in Nieuw-Amsterdam, Emmen Centrum, Klazienaveen and Emmer-Compascuum. You don’t have to be a member or make an appointment; you can just walk in. The conversation does not have to be directly about your personal situation; general tips and ideas are enough to get you started at home.
With a little planning, smart choices and tips from experts like Sylvia Draaier, December doesn’t have to be stressful for your wallet. By starting now to create an overview, make smart use of offers and save for goals, you can enjoy the holidays without financial worries. This way, December remains a month of fun, and not a month full of worries about money.