GUEST BLOGGERS: WILLIAM D. DANKO, Ph.D. AND RICHARD J. VAN NESS, Ph.D.

​​Shop ‘til You Drop?
So many articles have been written about becoming an efficient shopper. It’s exhausting just reading about the techniques that people devise in order to have the ‘best’ shopping season ever. Year-round, buying to assure the best deals, studying the desires of gift recipients, most appropriate wrapping for each person, and on and on. Some even specialize in gift shopping for pets. Seems that all of the major newspapers report on the masters of the creative passion of gift-giving for Christmas and other occasions. Time is a precious commodity, so why do some people participate so vigorously in such activities? Just pause, relax, and breathe. There is no fatal consequence of not attending the circus chaos.

​This time of year is filled with so many fun things! The parties, festive food, and traditions are a big part of what makes the holidays so special! During the months of November and December we’ve been posting tradition ideas over on the Utah Money Moms Facebook page. We want your traditions to feel fun and exciting and not stressful and expensive! Some of our amazing contributors and followers posted their favorite traditions that may spark some good ideas for you too! So instead of scrolling through the last two months’ worth of posts on Facebook, all the ideas are listed here for you to look at. Take a look and let us know if you implement any of the fun ideas!

GUEST BLOGGER: LIZ VANCE

If you are a big Black Friday shopper, you KNOW it takes more than just showing up at a store to make the most of it. Preparation is a big part of finding the best deals. The same is true about your budget. Make a plan so you can end your day feeling like you've conquered Black Friday rather than it's conquered you!  Check out this step-by-step guide on how to prepare financially for Black Friday.

GUEST BLOGGER: ADRIE ROBERTS

The holiday hustle and bustle will soon be upon us. It can be a stressful time, but it’s important to keep it in perspective and remember why we go to all the effort. Author Donald E. Westlake said, “As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.”
With that in mind, here are 10 tips for budgeting for gifts and events for those we care about.