One day until Christmas eve, and two holiday shopping days left. Did you remember to get what you needed? Maybe you spent a little too much? If you read our post on budgeting, but didn’t manage to practice those budgeting tips, we have some additional tips for you.

So you’ve blown your budget. It’s not the end of the world, but here’s what you should do next.

Tip #1: Put away the credit cards.

Time to move to a cash-only system until you’ve got your spending back under control. Cash is psychologically harder to spend than plastic, and this is one of the top tips from experts all around.

Tip #2: Keep that savings buffer (or let it accumulate again).

If you’ve dipped into the savings from holiday overspending, then this is probably the first area to address. Build it back up until you are secure. Skip out on dinners, social nights and whatever other sacrifices to get back into fiscal shape.

Tip #3: Snowflake budget back to financial health.

Since you’ll be on a cash-only system, every time you get the urge to buy a cup of coffee, or snack on some junk food, toss those dollars into a homemade piggy bank and let that accumulate. If you are a debit-only type of person, then transfer those dollars to your credit card debt. Depending on how far you are into the hole, $5-$10 additional payment per week will add a nice bonus to your regular payment (and we seriously hope you aren’t paying minimums only).

And since there are technically two days left to the holiday shopping season, if you were thinking about going out now to get some last minute items, don’t. It’s easy to fall into a trap and overspend at the last minute. Instead, stay home and plan next year’s budget (*wink*).

Want to read more?

Day 1: Motivation
Day 2: Just Breathe
Day 3: Back to Basics with Your Health
Day 4: Giving is Receiving
Day 5: Planning One Day at a Time
Day 6: Just A Spoonful of Sugar
Day 7: Positive Thoughts, Positive Outcomes
Day 8: Filter That Water
Day 9: Yoga At Your Computer
Day 10: Look Your Best, Feel Your Best, Be Your Best
Day 11: Be Alert and Stay Safe
Day 12: Giving Back To The Community Starts At Home
Day 13: Reach For That Pomegranate
Day 14: Breathing and Posture
Day 15:  Detox Your Finances
Day 16: Take Time For Entertainment
Day 17: Detox Your Skin
Day 18: Laugh It Up
Day 19: Live In The Moment
Day 20: Mind Your Chin
Day 21: De-clutter Your Life
Day 22: Detox Your Social Circle