Holidays are often an exciting time of the year.  However, the holidays can also represent added stress due to holiday spending.  Many individuals, families and households neglect budgeting for holiday spending. To assist individuals in understanding and responding to financial stress resulting from holiday expenses, the Perry County Extension Office hosted Managing Holiday Expenses: How to Reduce Spending to Decrease Financial Stress financial program for the Perry County Homemakers and general public.  Emphasis was placed on understanding how implementing holiday budgeting and other cost-saving strategies can help individuals to reduce spending and financial stress.  Twenty-two consumers participated in the workshop(s).  Participants were surveyed following the class and 100 percent indicated they had identified money management or cost-saving strategies for their family, while 22 participants, increased their confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters.  15 participants identified at least one specific saving or wealth-related goal for their family and 75 percent plan to take action steps toward implementing at least one financial management strategy presented during this program.

100% of the participants indicated that they would use some of the information on decorating ideas, recipes, or making gifts in order to save money.

75% of the participants who attended the workshop have reported using the information to make gifts for the holiday season, made at least one of the recipes, and used some of the information in the handout.