Earlier Than The Bird • Thanksgiving Christmas Events • Holiday

~YOUR FREE GUIDE TO 2015 BOYNE AREA HOLIDAY EVENTS~
BOYNE HOLIDAY
Earlier Than The Bird • Thanksgiving
Christmas Events • Holiday Fundraisers
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
Church Services • Shopping Specials
And so much more!
PAGE 2
INSIDE
THE 2015 BOYNE
HOLIDAY GUIDE
Earlier Than The Bird ..... 5
Thanksgiving Dinner ..... 7
Holiday Events Calendar ..... 8-9
Boyne City Christmas Open House
& Downtown Santa Parade ..... 11
‘Twas The Night Before
Christmas .....12-13
A Guide to Christmas
Budgeting ..... 15
The Boyne Holiday Guide is a publication of Paine Press LLC/
dba Boyne City Gazette, 5 West Main St. Boyne City, MI 49712
Chris Faulknor—Publisher/Circ./Ad Sales
Benj. J. Gohs—Page Design/Editor/Copywriter
For additional copies or information on our niche
publications, call Chris Faulknor at (231) 582-2799
PAGE 3
W
ishing you a
happy, healthy
holiday season!
from your friends at
Boyne Area Medical Center
Boyne Rehabilitation Center
Charlevoix Area Hospital
WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE
HOMETOWN CARING
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM 4FRONT.
Delight others. Reward yourself.
4Front’s new UChoose Rewards® smart credit card makes holiday
gift giving doubly rewarding. Earn merchandise, travel, even cash
back when you find the perfect gift for that special someone.
Visit 4frontcu.com/uchooserewards for more information.
(231) 547-4024 ● cah.org
4frontcu.com
Merry
Christmas
from the staff at
PARK VIEW
FAMILY DENTISTRY
www.boynecitydentalcare.com • (231) 582-4480
PAGE 4
FORWARD FOCUSED
Earlier Than The Bird
The 8th annual Boyne City “Earlier Than The Bird” holiday shopping event is 7-11 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 21. (Specials good 7-11 a.m. unless otherwise stated) Dozens of downtown merchants invite customers in for free treats and
early holiday specials. Shoppers wearing pajamas get a special gift of an Earlier Than The Bird coffee mug at the
chamber. (Sweats & workout clothes do not count as pajamas) More info at (231) 582-6222 or boynechamber.com
52 Weekends, 101 Water Street — The first 30 people
wearing pajamas receive a free insulated holiday
tumbler and Natural Life shopping bag with any
purchase. 30% to 75% off all fall clothing. BOGO
- fleece slippers, chance to enter to win our gift
basket. Fresh baked goods and beverages.
Alpine Chocolat Haus, One Water St. — 25%
off everything in the store.
Boyne Arts Collective, 214 Water St. —The
gallery will have a sale featuring artwork for $25
or less.
Boyne Farmers Market, Library Red Barn — Opens 9
a.m. First 15 customers get gifts of market goods.
Boyne Co-Op True Value, 113 S. Park St. — Stormy Kromer Caps BOGO at 50% off. Also 10% off all Husqvarna Snow Throwers from 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
Boyne Trading Company, 109 Water St. — 7-8 a.m. 50% off storewide.
8-9a.m. - 40% off storewide. 9-11 a.m. - 30% off storewide. Some exclusions.
Sweet treats for all shoppers.
Cafe Santé, One Water Street — Wear pajamas (not sweats or workout
clothes) OR show a receipt dated 11/21/15 from an “Earlier than the Bird”
participating merchant from 8 to 11 a.m. and get 10% off your breakfast/
lunch bill. Also $100 = $110. For every $100 worth of Magnum Hospitality
gift certificates, receive an additional $10 bonus certificate. (Cannot be redeemed day of purchase)
Cindifranco’s Cool Stuff, 309 S. Lake St. — Serving our fabulous oatmeal
with fixings bar. The earlier you shop, the larger the discount.
Country Now & Then / Up The Lazy River, 211 E. Water St. — Wear your
pajamas to take advantage of these specials. 7 to 8 a.m. 25% off most items, 8
to 9 a.m. 20% off most items, 9 to 11 a.m. 15% off most items. Serving beverages and breakfast treats. While shopping, fill out your Christmas Wish List.
Grain Train, 104 S. Park St. — 25% Off from 7-8 a.m., 20% Off from 8-9
a.m., 15% Off from 9-10 a.m., 10% Off from 10-11 a.m.
I Love Boyne City Store, 101 Water St. — 10% off any item in the store.
Inspired Living, 119 Water St. — First 25
people wearing pajamas get 50% off any
single item in-store. Anyone shopping in
pajamas gets the following discounts:
7- 8 a.m. ~ 25% off all purchases, 8:01-9
a.m.~ 20% off, 9:01-noon ~ 15% off
We will also have homemade Earl Grey
Almond Biscottis, Teecinno Herbal Coffee and Mimosas for
everyone to enjoy. Anyone who brings their inspired living H.I.P. bag with them will also receive a special gift.
Johan’s Breadbox Bakery, 110 S. Lake St. — Cup
of coffee and a pastry $2.50.
Kilwin’s Chocolates of Boyne City, 102 E.
Water St. — Buy one slice of fudge, get one
free (equal/lesser value). All other items 25% off
7-11 a. m. Special treats of cornflake clusters and
chocolate-covered Rice Krispies treats and samples
of Kilwin’s real Hot Chocolate.
Peninsula Boutique, 209 S. Lake St.
25% off store wide 7-8 a.m., 10% off sweaters 8 to 9 a.m.,
10% off jewelry 9-10 a.m., 10% off dresses 10-11 a.m.
Local Flavor Bookstore, 125 Water Street — 7-8 a.m. 40% off used books,
20% off new BOOKS, 20% off bulk coffee. 8-9 a.m. 30% off used, 15% off
new, 15% off bulk coffee. 9-10 a.m. 20% off used, 10% off new, 10% off bulk
coffee. 10-11 a.m. 10% off used, 5% off new, 5% off bulk coffee. Special book
signing and discount. New Pumpkin Smoothies, Maple Cream Lattes and
more!
Mary’s Of Boyne, 108 S. Lake St. — Come in your PJ’s, receive 30% off from
7-8, from 8-11 25% off, remainder of the day 20% off. More specials & info
in-store
Parkside Grill & Treats, 201 Water Street — 10% off any ice cream item 11
a.m. to 9 p.m.
Smitten Designs, 118 Water St. — 30% off 7-9 a.m. if wearing PJs. 20% off
7 a.m. to closing if not wearing PJs. Spend $50 to be entered in a drawing for
a free necklace.
Subway, 114 Water St. — Free drink with breakfast sandwich until 11 a.m.
The Birds Nest, 112 Water St. — 7-11 a.m. cashmere scarves $22, 8-9
a.m. socks 25% off, 9-10 a.m. sweaters 20% off, 10-11 a.m. camisoles 15% off.
Wine Emporium & Market,123 Water St. — Complimentary Quiche Lorraine and coffee. 15% off wine and 25% off accessories 7-8 a.m., then 10% off
wine 20% off accessories 8 to 11 a.m.
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED
BY THE BOYNE CITY MAIN
STREET PROGRAM AND
THE BOYNE AREA CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
PAGE 5
BOYNE DISTRICT LIBRARY
H O L I DAY S C H E D U L E
Wednesday, November 25 – Closing at 5 p.m.
Thursday, November 26 – Closed All Day
Friday, November 27 – Return to Normal Schedule
Thursday, December 24 – Closed All Day
Friday, December 25 – Closed All Day
(231) 582-7861
Holiday Events info online
www.boynelibrary.org
Like us on Facebook
201 East Main St., Boyne City
ur Boyne Bucks!
o
y
t
Ge
NEED A GIFT? SOMEONE HARD TO BUY FOR?
Boyne Bucks can be used at more
than 40 shops all over Boyne City.
Boyne Bucks make great holiday
gifts & support local businesses!
Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce • 28 South Lake St., Boyne City • 231-582-6222 • www.boynechamber.com
New
friends.
Favorite
memories.
And family
nearby.
Join Coldwell Banker/Schmidt
Realtors in Boyne City for their
Live Nativity and Bonfire
HOT CHOCOLATE, COFFEE, AND COOKIES PROVIDED
November 27
4-8 p.m.
Coldwell Banker/Schmidt SCHMIDT REALTORS
231 WATER ST., BOYNE CITY
Realtors parking lot
PAGE 6
At The Brook, residents share laughter with new friends while
being part of a familiar, caring community. Our committed
staff is passionate about quality care, ensuring that you always
feel right at home. What’s more, The Brook has nine beautiful
communities throughout Rural Michigan, so you will always
be close to home and family.
To learn more about our assisted and independent living opportunities, visit BrookRetirement.com or call (231) 582-4300.
Boyne City • Cheboygan • Gladwin • Grayling • Houghton Lake
Roscommon • West Branch • Gaylord • Big Rapids • Newaygo (2016)
Thanksgiving at Home or Downtown
Decorating Tips for Home & Community Thanksgiving Details
(BPT) - When Abraham Lin-
ing a wonderful family tradition
coln proclaimed Thanksgiving
of dedicating a special platter for
an official holiday back in 1863,
your Thanksgiving turkey and
English potters seized the op-
making it the centerpiece of your
portunity to target the growing
holiday gathering."
American market by producing
Turkey platters aren't only fun,
turkey-themed dinner plates and
some are also functional. Lenox
platters.
and several other manufacturers
These ingenious designers gen-
produce turkey-shaped platters
erally took an existing design
and other autumn themed serv-
and replaced the center with
a turkey motif to create those
first Thanksgiving patterns.
Manufacturers such as Spode,
Mason's and Wood & Sons
used their colorful transfer-
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING
The Boyne City Eagles Club invites everyone to its annual free Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner, from noon to 2 p.m., for a traditional turkey dinner with coffee and dessert at the Eagles Club, 106
River St. in Boyne City. Call ahead at 582-6904 for a ride or meal delivery. Boyne City Mayor Ron Grunch & his wife Elaine are pictured.
ing pieces in alternative metal
serveware. This is a special alloy
that maintains a constant temperature to keep foods warm or
cold when heated or chilled.
TABLETOP TRENDS
ware patterns to start a new holiday tradition.
Whether you're planning a huge buffet or an intimate dinner
"Even today manufacturers are creating design options for con-
with close family and friends, Robbins says the color trends
sumers by producing Thanksgiving or turkey-themed accent
for Thanksgiving entertaining remain a bright version of fall:
plates to mix and match with their everyday dinnerware," says
strong oranges, sages and brilliant turquoises. Both individual
Robin Long, vice-president of product marketing for tableware
candles and groupings of candles are popular for the Thanks-
giant Replacements, Ltd.
giving tabletop. Burlap is also a hot trend for table runners or
GOBBLE UP SERVEWARE
place settings. And, if Tom Turkey isn't the right design element
Perhaps just as popular as the turkey pattern this season is the
for your table, Robbins says you can still create a seasonal feel,
turkey platter. These large platters are not only highly collect-
minus the bird. "You can use fall leaf or even woodland pat-
ible, they're becoming the entertaining centerpiece for seasonal
terns to create a classic Thanksgiving table without going with a
gatherings.
turkey motif. Beautiful classic fruit
"You can find a turkey platter that
patterns give your table that horn
will blend well with any china pat-
of plenty flair."
tern, from the very old to the very
Robbins suggests tying this look
new," says designer Julie Robbins.
together by combining whole
"Turkey platters aren't necessar-
spices such as cinnamon and nut-
ily bird-themed; you'll find them
meg with natural elements like
in designs ranging from florals to
nuts, small pumpkins, fall fruits
even scenic vistas. I suggest start-
and colorful leaves.
PAGE 7
EARLIER THAN THE BIRD
The 8th annual Earlier Than The
Bird event will allow you to Shop
in your pajamas for treats and deals
at nearly 30 participating stores on
Saturday Nov. 21 from 7 a.m. - 11
a.m.
TURKEY TROT
The Kiwanis Club of Boyne City
is organizing their third annual
Turkey Trot 5K race and 1-mile
fun run/walk to be held at 9 a.m.
Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26.
The race will begin and end at Veterans Park. Entry fee, including a
T-shirt, is $20 in advance or $25 on
the day of the event. Chip timing
by Superior Timing will be offered.
Packet pick-up will be 3 to 7 p.m.
Nov. 26 at the Edward Jones office,
101 S Lake St.
For further information contact
Ruth Skop at 231-881-0945 or
Gayle Harbaugh at 231-675-5725.
Entrants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item that will be
donated to the Boyne area food
pantries.
All proceeds will stay in Boyne City
and go to the Kiwanis Club, whose
focus is to serve children, one community at a time.
THANKSGIVING DINNER
Boyne City Eagles host a Community Thanksgiving Dinner from
noon to 2:30 p.m. Thanksgiving
Day, Nov. 26 at the Eagles Hall, 106
River St. The dinner is open to the
public, and there is no charge. Anyone who needs a ride or would like
to volunteer or donate food call
582-6904.
PAGE 8
HOLIDAY
EVENTS
DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS
Nov. 27 - Holiday Open Houses &
Santa Parade, Downtown, 5 p.m. to
9 p.m.
HOLIDAY HOBBY CRAFT SHOW
Dec. 5 - Holiday Hobby Craft Show,
Boyne City High School, 9 a.m. to
3 p.m.
BOYNE CITY XMAS PROGRAMS
Elementary/Middle schools
• Dec. 3, Kindergarten and 2nd
grade Christmas program @ 6 p.m.
and 7:30 p.m.
• Dec. 7, Grades 1-3 Christmas
program @ 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Dec. 11, 4th grade program @ 7
p.m.
All programs are held in the Boyne
City Public Schools Performing
Arts Center
CONCORD ACADEMY BOYNE
• Nov. 24, Kindergarten - 4th grade,
elementary holiday concert at 6:30
p.m.
• December 3, 5-12 grade band
concert at 7 p.m.
• December 17, 5-12 grade choir
holiday concert at 7 p.m.
BOYNE LIBRARY EVENTS
Each year the Boyne District Library hosts numerous holiday
events, from special story times
and crafting to a visit from Santa
Claus. Be sure to check out the
library’s website boynelibrary.org
for upcoming holiday happen-
ings or call them at 231-582-7861
or visit www.boynelibrary.org.
Also, the Boyne District Library’s
Christmas tree will be displayed
on the main level during the holidays.
New hats, mittens and gloves will
once again adorn the tree, and
the library is seeking the community’s help in collecting as
many items as possible.
Handmade as well as storebought items are welcome, and
all items will be donated to
Boyne Area Community Christmas. The library is located at 201
East Main St. in Boyne City.
HOSPICE LIGHTS OF LOVE
Boyne Eta Nu Charities’ annual
“Lights of Love” project provides
an opportunity to remember
loved ones while contributing to
Hospice of Northwest Michigan.
Donations can be made by purchasing a colored light or a personalized heart that will be displayed on the “Lights of Love”
tree in downtown Boyne City.
A tree lighting and remembrance
ceremony will be held at 6:30
p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the
Country Now & Then alcove.
After the ceremony, those attending are invited to enjoy a buffet
dinner. Dinner reservations required by Nov. 23.
Cost is $14.50. Donation forms
at Boyne Chamber. Mail a completed donation form and your
tax-deductible donation check,
payable to Hospice of Northwest
Michigan, to Pati Scott, 04408 E.
Fontenoy, Boyne City, MI 49712.
HOLIDAY
EVENTS
More info at (231) 758-2496 or email [email protected].
BOYNE AREA CHRISTMAS
CHURCH SERVICES
BOYNE CITY 1ST PRESBYTERIAN
First Presbyterian Church of
Boyne City will have a Christmas
Eve Service on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.
BOYNE VALLEY CATHOLIC
• Christmas Eve - 6 p.m. and 9
p.m. at St. Matthew Church in
Boyne City
• Christmas Morning - 9 a.m. at
St. Augustine Church in Boyne
Falls
WALLOON LAKE COMMUNITY
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6 p.m.
All are welcome for the combined Christmas Eve services of
East Jordan Community Church
and Walloon Lake Community Church. This service will be
held at our Walloon Lake Campus. There will be no service on
Christmas Day.
GENESIS CHURCH
Christmas Eve Service will be
Dec. 24 from 5p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
by the town Christmas tree.
WALLOON LAKE CHURCH
• Christmas Eve service on December 24, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at
our Walloon Lake Community
Church location.
PAGE 9
Charlevoix County
Transit Bus
Holiday Hours
Charlevoix County Transit will be closed:
• Thurs. November 26-Sun. November 29
• Thurs. December 24-Sun. December 27
• Fri. Jan 1-Sat. Jan 2
1050 Brockway St., Boyne City • (231) 582-6900
SMOKE SHAC
S
’
E
K
BIG
S
TH IN BOYNE FALL
2500 US-131 SOU
SMOKED FISH • BEEF JERKY/SNACK STICKS • SMOKED SHRIMP
SALMON/WHITEFISH DIP • SMOKED PEPPER CHEESE DIP • WHITEFISH SAUSAGE
PULLED PORK WITH HOUSEMADE “SWEET BABY E’S” BBQ SAUCE
MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCTS • FRESH & FROZEN SEAFOOD • MI MADE PRODUCTS
PAGE 10
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season
Ensuring peace of mind by preparing and protecting our clients
and communities from life’s uncertainties for more than 85 years.
East Jordan
231-536-2268
Boyne City
231-582-6512
www.korthaseflinn.com
Petoskey
231-348-8121
Facebook.com/korthaseflinn
Holiday Open House & Santa Parade
Start Christmas time with Santa, treats, a parade and evening shopping!
The Holiday Open House &
led in caroling.
Santa Parade is always held the
The parade lineup is at 5:30 p.m.
Friday after Thanksgiving in
The parade begins at 6 p.m. on
downtown Boyne City.
East Main Street between East
Everyone is invited to enjoy the
and Lake Streets. The parade
family-friendly fun, refresh-
route will follow Lake Street to
ments and hospitality as the
Water Street through the heart
sights and sounds of the Christ-
of downtown Boyne City.
mas season fill Boyne City.
After the parade, there will be
The open houses begin at 5
hay rides.
p.m. with treats and sales in the
Then, children of all ages will
downtown shops.
delight when jolly Old St. Nick,
The Boyne Community Christmas Tree at the west end of
joined by elves and reindeer, arrives in his sleigh.
One Water Street, near Sunset Park, will be lit at 5 p.m.
After that, mom and dad can enjoy more shopping time!
Then, following the tree-lighting, holiday revelers will be
Get more information at 582-2355
Release
the Inner
You!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
FROM HUFF PHARMACY
A 12 year old showed
me these principles.
Learn to focus on your
blessings and set goals
- a great way to start
the new year!
WE’RE OPEN
SIX DAYS A WEEK
& WE DELIVER!
SINCE
1896
PRESCRIPTIONS
CHRISTMAS CARDS • ART
FINE JEWELRY • SNACKS
BATTERIES • DECORATIONS
LOTS OF HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
121 WATER STREET, DOWNTOWN BOYNE CITY • (231) 582-6514
Purchase at
Local Flavor
Bookstore or
Coldwell
Banker.
To find your dream
home go to
markkowalske.com
Mark D. Kowalske, GRI
231-675-3721
231 Water St., Boyne City
SCHMIDT REALTORS®
[email protected]
PAGE 11
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Story by Clement C. Moore
Art by Jessie Willcox Smith
Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house Not
a creature was stirring, not even a
mouse;
The stockings were hung by the
chimney with care In hopes that St.
Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug
in their beds, While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her kerchief, and I in
my cap, Had just settled our brains for
a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose
such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to
see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up
the sash.
The moon on the breast of the newfallen snow, Gave the lustre of mid-
108 WATER ST., BOYNE CITY • (231) 582-2900
PAGE 12
day to objects
below,
When, what to
my wondering eyes
should appear, But
a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny
reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and
quick, I knew in a moment it must be
St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and
shouted, and called them by name:
Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now,
Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on,
Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of
the wall! Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild
hurricane fly, When they meet with an
obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the housetop the coursers
they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys,
and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on
the roof, The prancing and pawing of
each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning
around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his
head to his foot, And his clothes were
He had a broad face and a little round
belly, That shook when he laughed,
like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right
jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw
him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his
head, Soon gave me to know I had
nothing to dread;
all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his
back, And he looked like a peddler
just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his
dimples how merry! His cheeks were
like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up
like a bow, And the beard of his chin
was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in
his teeth, And the smoke it encircled
his head like a wreath;
He spoke not a word, but went
straight to his work, And filled all the
stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he
rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team
gave a whistle, And away they all flew
like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove
out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all,
and to all a good-night.”
Come visit the
Boyne Area Kiwanis!
7a.m. Thursdays at Robert’s Restaurant, 216 N. Lake St.
No Obligations • Breakfast is on us!
BRING THIS COUPON FOR 1 FREE BREAKFAST
PAGE 13
yoga &
fus ion stud
io
Yoga ~ Pilates ~ Spinning
Meditation ~ Tai Chi
Women’s Self Defense &
Children’s Stranger Danger Classes
See our current schedule @
www.balancedlivingyogastudio.com
101 River Street ~ Boyne City
(Located in the front half of the
Huntington Bank building)
(231) 675-1413
Yoga questions that just can’t wait?
Call our Yoga Hotline @ (231) 675-0580
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME?
Call Gary Mellon
today for a
free competitive
market analysis!
(231) 675-2045
Let Gary put his decades of
experience in the Boyne
community to work for you!
LAKE STREET VETERINARY DOCTORS
TRACY DULAK • KURT ERXLEBEN • MIKE MCDONALD • DAVID ZEHNDER
~PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT~
Lake Street Veterinary Clinic, along with Bay Pines
Veterinary Clinic, are both full-service clinics committed to promoting responsible pet ownership
and preventative healthcare from vaccinations to
surgical procedures.
LAKE STREET CLINIC
500 N. Lake St., Boyne City
582-6266
347-4552 (after hours)
BAY PINES LOCATION
8769 M-119, Harbor Springs
347-4552
347-4552 (after hours)
FULL-SERVICE VETERINARY MEDICAL FACILITIES
lakestreetvet.net • baypinesvet.vetstreet.com
PAGE 14
Christmas budgeting made easy
Dave Ramsey’s tips for a fun and fiscally sound Christmas
Make your Christmas budget brighter with
parties ($50), and some extra giving ($50).
tips from everydollar.com:
Then there’s the Big Kahuna: Christmas
1. Figure out how much you can
gifts ($300). As long as you plan where
spend on Christmas — How do
you money will go before you spend
you figure out your Christmas
it, there’s no right or wrong way to
budget? Start by figuring out how
split up your Christmas budget.
much you spend on your normal
3. Write down who you need
monthly expenses, like gas, utili-
to buy gifts for — Now that you
ties, insurance and groceries. Then
know exactly how much you can
take a closer look at your flexible
spend on gifts, decide who gets what.
spending budget groups like dining
Make a list of everyone you’ll buy for
out and entertainment money.
If you typically spend $300 on restaurants in
a month, why not cook a few extra meals at home
this year. And we mean everyone—coworkers, church friends, your parents, your
kids, your grand-kids. Next to each name, write a
and divert an extra $200 toward Christmas savings? Or if your
specific dollar amount. If you don’t have enough money to
personal money is partying it up at $150, why not hold off
cover everyone on your list, rethink how much you’ll spend
temporarily and put an extra $100 into your Christmas stash?
on each person. Maybe you can agree to only buy for the
2. Divide your Christmas budget into categories — Once
kids. Or perhaps you can draw names, instead of buying for
you’ve figured out how much you can spend on Christmas,
multiple families. And then there are always baked goods or
do some dividing. Take your number—let’s say $500—and
homemade crafts!
think over your seasonal expenses. You’ll need money for
EveryDollar is a simple, online budgeting tool that helps users
travel ($50), tree and trimmings ($50), a few potlucks and
set a monthly budget and track expenses.
PAGE 15
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C L I N I C
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Call today to schedule your appointment (989)
748-8165