Here are 7 tips to not exceed your holiday budget.
![7 Tips To Not Exceed Your Holiday Budget](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/1-2-4-1024x1024.png)
1. Save Before You Spend
Follow the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for Savings.
![SAVE BEFORE YOU SPEND.](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2-2-3-1024x1024.png)
2. Make a List & Set Aside a Budget
Decide on the things you'll buy for the holidays. Listing them helps you plan better. PRO TIP: Don't forget to check your list twice!
![MAKE A LIST AND SET ASIDE A BUDGET.](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/3-2-3-1024x1024.png)
3. It's Okay to Say No
Not really important? Cross it out to make room for the more important ones on your list.
![IT'S OKAY TO SAY NO.](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/4-2-3-1024x1024.png)
4. Practice Smart Shopping
Shop early, compare quality and prices, use coupons, look for discounts, and avoid impulse buying.
![PRACTICE SMART SHOPPING.](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/5-2-2-1024x1024.png)
5. Trick Your Mind: Play Pretend
Thinking that you don't have money left to spend anymore (even if you do) might do the trick to avoid overspending.
![TRICK YOUR MIND: PLAY PRETEND.](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/6-2-3-1024x1024.png)
6. Look for Buying Alternatives
Such as do-it-yourself gifts (DIY), potluck dinners, and good deeds (ex: donations, helping others, etc.)
![LOOK FOR BUYING ALTERNATIVES](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/7-2-3-1024x1024.png)
7. Track What You Spend
Keep your receipts for later auditing, use a budgeting app, or check your online bank statement.
![TRACK WHAT YOU SPEND.](https://businessofanimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/8-2-3-1024x1024.png)
Check out Business of Animation's blog for more in-depth tips on how to grow your animation business!