This is one of my favorite times of the year. Thanksgiving dinner with my family, cool air that calls for cute winter clothes, and holiday festivities that invoke the spirit of love and positivity. As we embark on this season, inevitable holiday sales may tempt us more than we can imagine. In order to deal with this temptation and stay within our budgets, we may need a little motivation to help us practice self-control. Here are a few of my favorite money quotes for the holiday season:
“No amount of money or success can take the place of time spent with family.” – I love this quote because it reminds me of what’s most important. In my quest to find the perfect holiday gift, advance in my career, and make the most lucrative investments I can, I am reminded that it’s quality time with my family that matters the most. This quote also gives me permission to take a day off from writing articles or put my phone down for a couple hours to enjoy a holiday movie, have a large family meal, or bond with my brothers over a football game.
“If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and half as much money.” Abigail Van Buren coined these words and although I’ve never met her and don’t have children, this quote still resonates with me. When I reflect on my childhood and the holiday season, I have so many fond memories. Not because my father bought us the most expensive gifts or because we took the most elaborate vacations, but because we spent plenty of time together. My brothers and I went on to become the Vice President of a large corporation, a financial analyst, and a medical doctor, respectively, because of the life lessons and shared support we gave to one another. Whenever I’m stressed about spending money on gifts, I remind myself that what I lack in money I can make up for in quality time.
“Don’t save what left after spending, but spend what’s left after saving.” This Warren Buffet quote helps me keep my priorities straight, especially during the Christmas season. Black Friday is quickly approaching and I’m always tempted to spend much more than I had planned. When I was a young graduate student living in DC I’d often purchase items “on sale,” then spend the rest of the month praying that I had enough money to cover my remaining expenses. Fast forward to my current life as a doctor, and I’m definitely doing things differently. I have money in certain accounts reserved for bills. I also have money in a “holiday account” through which I saved money during the year so that the gifts I plan to purchase don’t dismantle my financial goals. I’ve learned to make sure my bills are paid, save a certain amount each month, and only spend what’s leftover.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” This Winston Churchill quote is something I try to remember throughout the year, especially during the holiday season. While I have several financial goals, money alone does not bring happiness and meaning to life. Instead, it’s the spirit of generosity and how we seek to positively influence the lives of those around us. Rather than only thinking of myself and my family, I try to remember those in need and give to other charities and organizations as well.
Tell me, what are some of your favorite money quotes for the holiday season?