A Stress-Free Christmas With Chad Clark

Christian talk radio with Rob West

The Christmas season should be a joyous time. Unfortunately, anxiety over money often gets in the way. Chad Clark joins Rob West today to discuss ways to lower your stress level and keep the joy in Christmas! Chad Clark oversees technology and innovation at MoneyWise. A study by OnePoll that found 88% of us feel stressed during the Christmas season. Also, about half of respondents reported they’re filled with dread when thinking of the amount of money they’ll spend around the holidays. With that in mind, here are 7 ways to trade anxiety for joy this Christmas: 7 TIPS TO AVOID CHRISTMAS MONEY STRESS: Slow down: take some time each day to reflect on what we are really celebrating this season. It can feel like a mad dash to the end of the year. Not only do we have Christmas activities, but you may have year-end goals or deadlines at work, end of year tax planning, or personal goals. If you start to feel the pressure, stress, and anxiety of the season, slow it down. Turn off the TV put your phone away, get in a quiet place and just quietly sit with your Father. Don’t procrastinate: John Mark Comer’s "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" he talks about how hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life. Procrastination is often the catalyst for hurry. If Christmas spending gives you anxiety you may put it off, which will actually make things worse rather than better. Especially in 2021, with supply chain constraints, this is not the year to wait until the last minute. Create a plan: Proverbs 21:5 "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. If you are worried about spending too much money this Christmas, then the simple solution is to put together a plan. Your plan should not only include who you are purchasing gifts for, decorations, food, travel, events, and other giving. Do Your Research: You have the ability to do more research on your spending decisions than ever before! A simple search away from finding comparative prices and more. Get creative: Maybe you can write people notes. If you’re an artist, maybe you can make something for someone. If you love to bake, how about baking up a delicious treat for loved ones? If you love to read, give someone a book. Give someone your time, or help someone in need. For example: sponsor a child, buy a family a chicken or a clean water kit. Track your performance: It’s not enough to just plan, you also need to track. And celebrate! John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." LISTENER QUESTIONS: On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions: ●Is an extended warranty on a car a worthwhile purchase? ●Do U.S. savings bonds pay interest after 30 years? And what are the tax implications of cashing them in? ●How do you strike the right balance between giving and providing for your family? RESOURCES MENTIONED DURING THIS PROGRAM: ●TreasuryDirect.gov Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to [email protected] Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion! Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.