Top 10 Reasons Santa's Broke This Year
by Darlene Arechederra
Do you have a hard time keeping your head above water? If so,
you're not alone. Even dear Santa runs into trouble now and then.
As a matter of fact, Santa got himself in a bit of a pickle
recently. Once his delivery season slowed a bit, he created a
list of his own, and discovered exactly what had put him in the
poorhouse.
Here's what Santa discovered...
1. Santa Spends More Than He Makes
Santa's paychecks are nothing to sneeze at, but he stays focused
on his next raise. (Yes, of course Santa gets a raise each year!)
He has no idea what it costs him to live the Santa life. He
doesn't track his earnings or his spending.
And Santa's got to provide for his reindeer and his North Pole
home- just like the rest of us.
2. Santa Has No Emergency Account
Santa's transportation tends to break down right in the middle of
major blizzards. The last time his brand new sleigh had stalled,
he'd waited hours for the sleigh-tow and had nearly been frost
bitten. To top it off, he discovered he was already over his
credit limit.
3. Santa Lives Paycheck to Paycheck
Santa cashes his paycheck at the North Pole Bank, but most of the
money gets spent before it makes its way to his checkbook. If it
makes it there, most of the money is already owed to the credit
card company. Santa has no other money set aside.
4. Santa Doesn't Enjoy Balancing His Checkbook
Santa puts off balancing his checkbook. He spends money, but is
never sure what he has available to spend. Santa doesn't know how
to build in some fun to help him enjoy working in his checkbook.
If only he could grow to love it!
5. Santa Spends His Raises and Bonuses
Santa got a nice raise back in January, following his Bonus check
in December (bonus based on number of chimneys completed for the
year). He thought he'd have plenty of money this year. But Santa
likes nice, updated equipment at all times. He bought brand new
gear for all his reindeer, even though last year's would have
done the job.
6. Santa Eats Most of His Meals Out
Since Santa's job requires a lot of traveling, he eats out way
too much. He also has to feed his reindeer each time he sits down
to eat. The tips alone are enough to keep Santa in the poorhouse.
7. Santa Lives on the Edge
Santa keeps himself too busy to sit down and plan his life. He
hasn't set up a plan to build extra money into his checkbook, nor
has he made a decision to actually save any of his money. Even
setting up automatic deposit would be helpful. Another emergency
could wipe him out. (No more Santa?)
8. Santa is Not Preparing for the Future
Santa, jolly fellow that he is, has no money set aside to work
for him. He may end up working until his hair is much whiter (or
gone). And, what happens if Santa has to replace some of the
reindeer? Most of his money now goes to pay off credit cards.
9. Santa Spends Too Much on R & R
Even Santa needs a little rest and relaxation after all that hard
work. If he runs out of cash, he charges it. (No, I promised not
to tell what Santa does for R & R. He does know who's been
naughty or nice...)
10. Santa Can't Stay Motivated
Santa knows he could be doing better, but he just can't get any
traction. Saving his money seems much more difficult than
climbing down chimneys. And, he can see immediate rewards for
making it down the chimneys -- he's got cookies and milk waiting
for him!
Perhaps Santa will find some rewards to make saving a fun thing
for him in the future...
So, now you know. Even Santa doesn't have it so easy all the
time.
Will he survive? I hope so.
We're counting on Santa!
P.S. Update on Santa: Rumor has it, Santa has made a New Year's
resolution to dig out of debt. He's making his list and checking
it twice...
(Way to go, Santa!)
About the Author: Author of Rat Race Blues for Women, Darlene
Arechederra shares simple strategies for living well on less and
enjoying a debt- free lifestyle. For more money-saving articles
and tips, join her Free article update ezine today at
http://www.RatRaceRemedies.com