I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling pretty overrun by holiday shopping ads. It seems like a never ending barrage and this year for some reason feels more heightened to me. 

So, I wanted to take some time in the newsletter to share the system that I’m using to make sure that I have a successful holiday shopping experience. And, by successful, I mean that I stay within a set amount of money I’ve decided to spend, that I’m happy with my purchases, and that I don’t feel too stressed. 

Some parts of my plan may seem over simplified, but by a super not scientific poll conducted by me asking clients and friends, it seems like very few people use any system at all, so I hope this helps! 

Step 1: Make a list! (Actually make a few lists)

• Make a list of everyone you would like to get a gift for

• Make a list of any events you are attending

• Make a list of any events you are hosting

Step 2: Identify Your Non-Negotiables

For each of the above lists check the non-negotiables (i.e. you have to and want to go to your sister’s annual New Year’s party and you absolutely will be giving a gift to your niece). 

Step 3: Eliminate the Fluff

Is there anything not on the non negotiable list that you really don’t want to do? If so, cross it off! I know! It is nuts! If it is an event, make a calendar event for that day/time that says something along the lines of, “Congrats! You made a good choice and get to do whatever you want instead of going to XYZ!”. If it is a gift for someone, ask yourself if you need to tell them. If you do, give them a heads up and explain that you are working on larger financial goals that mean that you’ve needed to cut back on spending this year. Or - better yet - blame me! Tell them your financial coach said to cut it out. 

Step 4: Budget it OUTTTT

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Give yourself a gift giving budget, an event hosting budget, and an event attending budget. 

These budgets should all either be doable for you with your expected income or should be something that you want to pull from savings for. They should not be amounts you are planning to put on a credit card. 

Not surprisingly, I like to use a spreadsheet to map out my plans. For each gift or event I write out all of the expected expense items, the amounts of money I plan to spend, the links for anything I am buying online, how much I actually spent, and whether I went over or under my goal. 

Step 5: Buy the things! 

Pretty sure this step is self explanatory :) 

A couple tips just in case you’re feeling stuck: 

1. Accept help if you are hosting an event. People really do want to bring things! It makes them feel useful and good!

2. When buying host gifts, think about things you can buy in bulk.

3. If you need a special outfit for an event, but don’t think this will be something you use much in the future, look into renting the clothes instead! A lot of my clients love Rent the Runway. 

As always, I’m rooting for you.

XOXO,

P.S. If you are reading this and thinking, “but Caroline, I have no idea what my budget should be!” then you may be ready for some financial guidance. If you want to try something low commitment, but meaningful, check out the Money Diary (clients actually call this tool LIFE CHANGING). If you’re ready to go full hog and get all your financial ducks in a row (oh my goodness, too many animal puns, I’m sorry), then schedule a free call with me or fill out the client inquiry form. I’d love you to join me for coaching in December or January! 

I’m pretty sure I need all new school…er, I mean office supplies 

We are solidly in August and, at least in the Southeast, that means it is time for back to school! Target is filled with cute school supplies, I’m getting catalogs in the mail reminding me that my kids totally need adorable cardigans for the fall (while I sit here sweating in 97° heat), and I’m feeling that start-again-fresh energy in the air. 

I have always loved this time of year. I was a kid who was pretty obsessed with school and by the time the last few weeks of summer rolled around I was chomping at the bit to get back to it. I loved learning and did well academically, which certainly helped, but I think the real reasons I loved school were social and material. I rarely got in trouble at school, but when I did it was because I wouldn’t stop talking. I LOVED coming to school with new supplies. I loved my gel pens and trapper keepers. I loved a fresh notebook and new pair of jeans. I loved it all. 

And now I’m adult who apparently works all year long and doesn’t need school supplies to start out the new school year right. 

Lame. 

I’m trying to capture that same back-to-school energy this year -- 1) because it is fun, but also because 2) that energy is infectious! It helps me figure out what’s next. It helps me see growth potential and clarify my priorities. Every business owner (and human) needs that in their lives. 

In an attempt to not go overboard with things that I don’t actually need, I’ve been working on a small back-to-school shopping list.

My Back-to-School Shopping List:

• Notebooks (I use these mostly for action item lists, but also journaling and random brainstorming)

• Stickers (I’ll probably share with my kids)

• Fun folders to upgrade the ones I use all the time for domestic administration stuff 

• iPad cover to make it easier to use my iPad as a second screen when on the run

What about you? Are you gearing up for some back-to-school fun? Ignoring the sales altogether? Tell me alllll about it, friend. 

As always, I’m rooting for you.

XOXO,

I’ve always had a bit of a shopping problem. No…I don’t really mean that. I don’t want to place a judgment on it from the get go. 

I’ll start over - I’ve always loved shopping. I love new things. I love trying on outfits and there were many times in my life when I spent a great deal of time, energy, and money on my clothes. It made me happy. 

During my first pregnancy I sort of gave up on all of that. I had just started my second trimester when Covid shutdowns went into place and I didn’t feel the need to spend money on clothes that no one would see but me and my husband. In retrospect that was likely a sign of depression, but I think at the time everything was in such upheaval that I didn’t recognize it as such. 

That first pregnancy was difficult and my second one, while less challenging than the first, was nerve wracking because my previous pregnancy put me in a high risk category. I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety after my first, which unfortunately went undiagnosed (mostly because it was so much better than what I experienced during pregnancy). The PPD and PPA got a lot worse after my second child was born and, thankfully, that time around I had folks around me who helped me recognize what was going on. I went on medication, made lifestyle changes, and went to therapy.

During all this time I continued to shop, but mostly out of habit and desperation (my shoe size changed with EACH baby) and the simple fact that postpartum Caroline was a size (actually many sizes) that I had never been before and therefore I needed at least some clothes that fit. 

Over the last few months my PPD and PPA have really improved. I still have challenges, but they are more manageable and, as my therapist would say, I have more tools in my toolkit. I know how to recognize what is happening and I have multiple ways to move forward. 

One of the outcomes of my improved mental health is that I really want to get dressed in things that spark joy for me. I want to put on clothes that make me smile. I want to wear things that make me feel powerful and strong -- that make me feel capable. I do feel all of these things, but it has always helped me when the outside reminds me of what I know to be true on the inside. 

As such, I’ve been shopping in new ways recently. What had felt more like a chore and habit is feeling exciting, but also a little bit overwhelming. I want to buy so much, but I know I can’t afford to go overboard. I also know that both my style and my body are in flux and investing too much money into a style at this point is likely premature. 

To be completely honest, I haven’t quite figured out how I want to move forward in this space. I could buy a lot of new things at a low price point (Old Navy, Target) or I could buy more things at a mid-range price point, or I could invest in just a couple things at a higher price point. Pre-pregnancy Caroline would have chosen the mid or high range and postpartum depression Caroline would have chosen the low price point. The question is, where does post pregnancy, stable mental health Caroline go? 

If you’ve been in a similar place and have advice for me, I’d love to hear it! Shoot me an email at caroline@verdiadvising.com or comment below. 

As always, I’m rooting for you.

XOXO,