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Christmas is weeks away, but for many people, their carefully planned budget is already a thing of the past. It’s no secret that sticking close to a holiday budget can be difficult. The most important part of getting your budget back on track is realizing that you aren’t alone.

Expenses that you don’t normally put into a monthly budget can creep up and cause problems with your regular financial routines. They aren’t really emergencies, but meeting these obligations is an important part of life, so coming up with extra money in a hurry can feel like an urgent need.

One of the most expensive times of year for many people is the winter holiday season. Gifts, hosting parties, large family gatherings, and travel expenses don’t have to cause problems with your budget, though.

What do you do when you have a financial emergency? If you’ve budgeted for one, you may be able to tap into your emergency fund. If not, you have to find another means. This could mean borrowing the money from friends or family, or taking out a personal loan. Read on for ideas on how to pay for...