| I'm putting Christmas on a budget this year. As I | | | | especially helpful when you're shopping for gifts, |
| write this it's only the first week of November. | | | | since it's easy to get excited and go overboard |
| Normally I don't even think about doing my | | | | on gifts. Write down everyone you want to buy |
| holiday shopping this early, but I want to save | | | | for this year, and set a specific dollar amount for |
| money on gifts and other typical holiday | | | | each person. You'll be surprised at how much this |
| expenses, so I'm getting a jump start on my | | | | will help eliminate over spending. |
| holiday planning this year. | | | | Shop around: Retailers are expected to offer |
| With the economy in turmoil and consumer | | | | deep discounts this year, so it will pay to do your |
| confidence at an all time low, I'm guessing I'm not | | | | homework to make sure you're getting the best |
| the only one putting Christmas on a budget this | | | | deal available. Also, check the in-store prices to |
| year. Here are some tips to help you save some | | | | the online prices; some stores offer different |
| money on gifts and other holiday expenses: | | | | prices based on how/where you buy the item. |
| Make a shopping list: Write down all of the items | | | | Don't forget the decorations: When you're making |
| you expect to have to buy for the holidays, | | | | your Christmas budget, don't forget all the |
| including gifts, decorations or food for parties and | | | | decorations and supplies that go into making |
| family gatherings. Be specific about who you plan | | | | Christmas special. In addition to gifts, you'll need |
| on buying for and what you plan on buying for | | | | holiday cards, decorations, party supplies, food, |
| them. Having a list will allow you to snag items as | | | | cleaning supplies, and other miscellaneous items. A |
| they go on sale, and it will keep you from | | | | good idea to consider for next year is to stock |
| procrastinating til the last minute. | | | | up on decorations and wrapping paper right after |
| Start early: This may be the best tip for saving | | | | the holidays when everything is on sale. |
| money on gifts this year. It is expected that | | | | Shop for out-of-state family first: This will be the |
| retailers will be offering bargains and discounts far | | | | biggest money saver for me this year... If you |
| earlier this year than in previous years. Starting | | | | need to ship gifts to family members who live out |
| early will help you plan better and make sure that | | | | of state, do it early! Postage and shipping is usually |
| you don't miss out on any of those deep | | | | my biggest expense each year, because I wait til |
| discounts that we are expected to see from | | | | the last minute to buy and ship these gifts. This |
| retailers. | | | | year, I'm shopping for out-of-state family |
| Set a budget: Do this both for the gifts you plan | | | | members first, so I can mail them well in advance |
| on buying and all the extras as well. This will be | | | | and avoid those inflated Christmas shipping fees. |