Do you know there are recommendations/guidelines for what percentage of your yearly income you should spend on housing, groceries, utilities, etc.? For instance, when I was in college it was recommended that consumers allot 25% of your income on housing. Since that was a long time ago, I know that percentage has been increased. After a little research (Googling) I found that it is now recommended you spend 30 - 33% of your yearly income on housing.Today I heard on the news that Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) recommends you allot 1.5% of your yearly income on Christmas expenses. Those expenses include: gifts, cards, postage, increased grocery costs (Spice Tea, Cookies, Divinity, Fudge, Chex-Mix, that Peppermint Bark stuff), travel expenses and pet boarding expenses. I like CCC because they remind consumers of all the things we don't think of in an effort to help us prevent indebtedness.
So I did the math and I think I can spend $225.00 on Christmas this year. The problem is I don't have $225.00. I should have done the math in January 2007 and then put $18.75 in savings for this purpose every month prior to December 2007. Sadly, I didn't do that.
But that's OK, I have ideas in my head/heart and I have PLENTY of gift wrap. we've already started.
5 comments:
I would like to submit my request now for 2008 that a larger percentage be set aside for my gift alone. Fudge and chex mix just doesn't cut it missy!
That's ok, Cathern I do not need a gift. Just your free friendship!
Just give me your 2 cents worth - I'm always entertained by that! :) xoxo Neeter in Lanter
Your friendship is all I need for Christmas Catherine Hanna. ;)
I know where that gift wrap came from...and you're not kidding...you have A LOT!!!
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