budget buster
I initially set up a $200 limit for my Christmas shopping. I’ve got $64 left in my budget. I want to get my dad a gift certificate for a store where he can get himself some tools to replace the ones that were stolen from him recently. $50 is a nice round number. One problem: I haven’t gotten anything for my grandmother yet, and I can’t leave her out. She asked for something in particular that I just can’t afford, so I’ll have to get her something else, and it’ll have to cost less than $15. Ouch! I could adjust the amount of my Dad’s gift card, but I don’t want to - tools are expensive!
Today I’m finally getting the car inspected so that I can avoid the month-end rush. When I get my car back, I’m going to pick up my dad’s gift card, and find something nice for my Grandma. I know myself - if I see something that I think is a great gift for my Grandma that’s over $15, I’m going to debate and debate and debate… and then get it. Come on, it’s my grandmother.
And then another thing… I asked my honey what he wanted, and he told me, and I bought it. But I want to give him at least one surprise. I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for some nice surprise. I already have something in mind - something that I know he wants that he hasn’t asked for. I’d love to see his face when he’s surprised by it.
So I’ma tell you now. Don’t be surprised if I bust my holiday budget by about $50. Given that my income isn’t what it was, I’m going to try for some discipline here. But I love to give. I love to give to those I love. And I love when folks get good gifts and are happy with what they get. And despite my circumstances, I’m in a generous mood. I’ll be careful, though.
