Any unplanned and/or unaccounted for holiday can leave a month feeling a little “longer” for anyone living on a “month to month” budget. Particular attention should be given to the holiday months and the high expenditure amount associated with this time of the year. Typically, the time spanning from Thanksgiving to New Years place an unnecessary burden on household budgets yearly. Remember to pay month financial obligations prior to shopping for dinner parties and holidays gifts. Additionally, do not rely on holiday bonuses or overtime pay. As many employers are still reeling from the fallen economy, your personal finances should not rely on past performance of employers’ generous compensation practices during the holidays. By addressing financial obligations first and considering annual financial “surprises” a household can trust bank balances and control spending during the holidays. Just imagine…starting a new year with a positive bank balance and a lack for need of debt instruments to manage finances through the holidays will be a step in the direction of financial literacy and security.