Wallet Health- 7 Tips to Debt Free Holiday Season

[Guest guest]

Wallets need health too!

Other comments?

Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

 

7 Tips to a Debt Free Holiday Season

by Deidra Ramirez

 

http://www.stretcher.com/stories/04/04sep20e.cfm

 

Each year, I dread what I have affectionately dubbed the " Christmas

Shopping Fiasco. " You know, the one where all of the January credit

card bills arrive with the blaring reality of what you actually spent

on gifts the month before. It seems as though each holiday season, I

go through this major metamorphosis from reasonable bargain huntress

to out-of-control impulse shopper. Rooted in my constant search to

find that " perfect gift " for each and every family member, I often

purchase with little concern about how each item will tighten my

financial straps.

 

However, this year I had a mental revelation, realizing that I

needn't go into debt to get great gifts for family and friends. For

the first time, I made a plan, and with months to go before the

holidays arrive, I am already finished shopping and not a single item

went on a charge card! All was accomplished by simply adhering to

these seven tips.

 

Make a list... and check it twice. Creating a list will help to avoid

last minute purchases for forgotten family members. When you make the

list, try to jot down some favorites as well as sizes. This will save

quite a bit of time when picking out items to purchase.

 

Set a budget and stick to it. Be reasonable, allocating different

amounts based on the amount you want to spend on each person. For

example, you may want to spend more on your spouse and kids than

Cousin Joe. Try to also leave a cushion for last minute purchases for

holiday parties at work, or for co-workers who give you unexpected

gifts.

 

Save. After setting your budget, save the money to cover the cost of

presents. Saving ahead of time will leave you with money readily

available for purchases, keeping you from the hassle of incurring

debt on charge cards.

 

Credit is a no-no. Take only cash with you when you go shopping to

avoid impulse purchases. If you feel uncomfortable carrying large

amounts of cash and feel you can use your charge card and remain

within your established spending budget for gifts, another option

would be to put all of your purchases on one card and pay the bill in

one lump sum with the money you have saved.

 

Shop around. During the holiday season, it is extremely important to

check sales ads. Comparison shopping is the only way to ensure you

are getting the best price for your purchase. Visit a number of

stores, and if you feel comfortable making purchases online, you may

want to check there too. Just keep in mind the shipping fees that

may be added to your total price for online shopping.

 

Start early. Buying gifts in increments, or spanning the purchases

over a couple of months can help alleviate the strain on your pocket

book.

 

Be creative. Think of gifts that come from the heart. Homemade gifts

and gift certificates for services that require nothing more than

your time are both inexpensive and unique. Give your spouse a gift

certificate for a massage by you or breakfast in bed. When you really

think about it, you can come up with a variety of ways to put a smile

on your family's faces.

 

 

Deidra Ramirez is a wife and working mother of two boys who enjoys

finding new and exciting ways to save her family money.

 

=====

Fidyl

Live Simply So That

Others May Simply Live

Yoga-With-Nancy-SoFla/

SignSoFla/

SoFlaVegans/

SoFlaSchools/