When Kyle asked me to do a monthly column regarding finance I told him that I would try not to bore people too much, since that category can be less than exciting.

So today, I will start off with discussing the correlation between the federal reserve interest rate moves and the associated impact on the gross domestic product. Just kidding, please continue to read. I definitely wouldn’t go near that topic with a ten-foot pole.

With Christmas just 53 days away, the gift-buying season is upon us, and that can have a big impact on your personal finances, either good or bad.

One of the first things to recommend is to keep in mind that the process of gift-buying can be something that is within your control, not an out of control traumatic experience that wrecks your finances for several months. Christmas gift-buying shouldn’t have to feel like it’s a financial version of flying, out of control, down one of the big slides at White Water, while you hope and pray that your landing isn’t messy or painful — or both.

One of the first practical things to do is make a list of who you are buying for and make a realistic budget for each recipient. I’m sure my wife, Darla, is loving this portion of my column. But, it actually works, despite what Darla may say.

The second strategy is to avoid impulse purchases. Typically, they cost more than you budgeted and can result in a real dud of a gift. For example, the chess set you thought was so cool for Uncle Melvin has three problems.

Uncle Melvin doesn’t play chess, he has no desire to learn how to play chess, and he can’t return the item because it was purchased from the clearance table.

However, one thing is certain, someone will get a great deal come the first Friday in May when Uncle Melvin has his annual garage sale and offers the chess set for less than $3.

The suggestion I have is the use of gift cards, which can be a good way to stay in budget and still give a really nice gift. Gift cards sometimes get criticized for not be warm or sincere. Personally, I love gift cards.

For example, I love snow cones. But, of course, giving someone a snow cone for Christmas isn’t really going to feasibly work. However, a gift card to an establishment that serves snow cones, in season, like Whitley’s, is a gift that can be used and enjoyed well past the Christmas season.

Speaking of gift cards, I’m sure Uncle Melvin would have loved a gift card to Michael’s so he could buy a new fertilizer spreader in the spring, versus the chess set that he will be dumping on someone in his spring garage sale.

Another idea I have seen used that is a great budget saver would be to use your God-given talents to make a handmade gift for a friend or loved one. Handmade gifts can sometimes be tremendously lasting and impactful.

And, remember, if all else fails, and you happen to miss hitting your Christmas budget, there is always next year. Plus, you may have a big tax refund coming around the corner.

Or, you might be the lucky person who wins the Powerball this year. Of course, your odds of winning are probably about as good as my wife getting me a Christmas present after reading this column.

All the best in our Christmas shopping this year. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Jon Horner is a local community bank president, published author and motivational speaker. He can be reached at jonhorner77@gmail.com.