As the holiday season approaches, many people face financial challenges due to increased spending on gifts, gatherings, and travel. Shana Ellington, a career and money coach at St. Mary’s Community Center in Savannah, addresses these concerns by offering practical advice for managing expenses during this time.
“Budgeting during the holidays is very hard because holidays are a time for giving,” says Ellington. “It’s a time when our hearts and minds are set on making sure our loved ones feel loved by the things we give them, so we tend to go over our budget.”
Ellington works with clients at St. Mary’s Community Center to develop realistic budgets tailored to their goals. She recommends starting holiday planning early rather than waiting until the last minute. “Sometimes the easiest thing you can do is if you have in mind what you want to give your children, your spouse, your parents is buy it throughout the year,” Ellington says. “We all know around Christmastime prices go up. You have time to plan for it and that can help make it easier.”
For those who may not have started early this year, Ellington suggests several other strategies:
– Make homemade gifts such as frames or care boxes instead of buying expensive items.
– Organize gift exchanges with family or friends to reduce the number of presents needed.
– Take advantage of sales and special deals at stores, which often offer discounts on both gifts and groceries.
– Create a shopping list detailing recipients and intended purchases, including small items like wrapping paper and tape.
– Consider opening a Christmas savings account and setting aside small amounts from each paycheck throughout the year.
St. Mary’s Community Center provides various services aimed at supporting individuals facing unemployment, limited healthcare access, or housing instability. The center offers career development programs, financial coaching—including budgeting assistance—free tax help during January and February, affordable vision care through an eye clinic, public benefits assistance (such as SNAP and Medicaid), and access to a computer lab.
The center welcomes anyone seeking career or financial guidance. It is located at 812 W. 36th Street in Savannah; more information about services can be obtained by calling 912-447-0578.
