Spend Now or Later? Save Now or Later? Christmas Commercialized....

Every-time the last three (3) months comes, the Christmas frenzy heightens up. Christmas bazaars, Christmas Sale and thus Christmas spending abound. It is a beautiful season of giving but I hope we do not over do it. I hope and pray we can be spared from the commercialism of Christmas. I hope too that we have the right direction and answer to the question: Spend now or later? Save now or later?

We must be thankful for all the blessings we have received and show our gratitude by giving to people and institutions. We must carry on with the tradition of gift giving and still be able to save for future needs. How do we do this? Very simple. We stick to our prosperity formula. Income- Tithes(10%) - Savings(20%) = Expenses (70%). Since there will be an inflow of money which is our 13th month pay, we must ensure we allocate the amounts the same way and not go beyond the 70% of the Cash In-Flow.

We also have to ensure we only buy things that we really need and give also things which people can make use of and more importantly a basic need. For institutions that we would like to help, cash gifts is most appropriate. For individuals, and loved ones, we should identify what do they really need, which we also can afford.

We must not fall for SALE items which we actually do not need or we still have. Do not fall for nice items to replace old ones that are still usable. Many fall for new LED TV or a touch screen phone, to add on to their still working TV or phone. Big purchases like new cars also happens during this season as the cash inflow is really huge, but how about next month? Will there be another 13th month pay?

So there you are friends, I submit that we must spend now within our means and not later for this is the season of giving. And we must consistently do it even if it is not Christmas. Giving must be consistent and all through out the year. That's the real spirit of Christmas.

I also propose we save now and not later at least 20% of the total cash in-flow. And we must not fall victim to the commercialized Christmas.

Spend within your means for what is needed and save whatever you can consistently this Christmas and through out the year!

Happy Spending and Saving!