You have a new tenant who just moved in or you recently sold one of your properties to a new client. While giving clients an affordable, comfortable place to call home around the holidays is a great help but the job shouldn’t stop there, and there are more ways for you to show that you care.
From decorations to gifts, holiday expenses can add up quickly. The average shopper plans on spending almost $1,000 on presents in 2017. With moving costs as well new home repairs or furnishing, however, budgeting for the holidays may be a challenge. This can make finances tight for new homeowners and of course, you want to make sure they are able to afford the property they moved into.
The list below includes creative ways to you can advise clients to save money and not break the proverbial bank over the holiday. Share these tips to with clients to show you care about their finances, and as an added bonus, help them create their own safety net.
1| Share the Load
Playing host to friends and family members can get expensive – and fast. Instead of footing the bill yourself, ask guests if they would be willing to bring something. Whether it’s cooking up a delicious side dish or baking some sweet desserts, any contribution can help minimize costs, and, frankly, work. When it comes to presents, try a gift exchange that caps your holiday shopping at one person, even within extended family members. It might also be a good idea to set a limit of $25 or less for each present so that nobody goes overboard with their spending.
2| Get Creative
It often takes time before a new house feels like home. But as empty space is quickly filled by new furniture and decorations, costs tend to skyrocket. Save a few extra bucks this holiday season by passing on traditional holiday decorations and create your own. For example, rather than splurging on an extravagant wreath, create your own using everyday objects around your home or yard.
Looking for an activity that can get the whole family involved? Consider creating paper chain snowflakes that you can hang around the house. Not only will you cut down on holiday spending, but you’ll also enjoy some quality time with loved ones and create great memories.
3| Try a Budgeting App
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and spend a more than you plan. One-quarter of parents have taken money out of an emergency fund, retirement account or used a payday loan to cover the cost of gifts. Avoid doing the same by putting together a reasonable budget – and sticking to it.
If you’re not sure where to start, try a budgeting app. These mobile personal finance tools can go a long way toward ensuring you’re able to meet mortgage payments and get the gifts you want this holiday season. If you’ve found that with a new home your budget is blown, it might be a good idea to take some time and reset your budget. Investing in the right budgeting apps or financial coaches can provide the right tools to get you back on track.
4| Create Long-Term Goals
With the start of a New Year just weeks away, now is the perfect time to consider your financial goals and how to reach them. Need a little inspiration to get started? Don’t hesitate to ask for help. A financial coach can provide expert guidance on planning out your expenses, reducing current costs and achieving those goals.
Whether your New Year’s resolution is to start saving for retirement or purchase furniture for a new home, a financial coach can set you up for success. Use this holiday season to give yourself a gift that keeps on giving – the gift of attaining financial freedom.
The holidays are always a difficult time to move into a new home, but it doesn’t have to mean skimping on celebrating. From welcoming the support of friends and family to building a budget, share the tips discussed above to spread the holiday spirit while also letting your clients know you care.
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