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It’s the Most Spendiest Time of the Year

Posted on November 30, 2009

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Ah yes, as most of you read this you’ll probably be spending a ton of money on holiday shopping and you don’t even get to spend it on yourself! Okay some of you will probably buy yourself something too. I mean why not? You are still giving, right? But how can one avoid not going into total debt, yet still be in that holiday spirit of giving?

1. Make a list and check it twice:

It’s great to want to give presents, but to give presents to everyone you know can be expensive. Keep a list of close family members and friends that you really want to give a gift to and leave it at that. I really don’t think your 2nd cousin’s boyfriend/girlfriend will be that upset because he/she did not make the list. Plus you will save on gift paper, shipping, etc.

2. Set a budget and stick with it like a tongue on a frozen pole:

Most financial institutions will allow you to have more than one savings account, some of the cool ones will even let name the account (mine is called the Bah Humbug account). Establish how much you are willing to spend and how much on each person and let that be it. And if you have money left over reward yourself with some fruit cake. Mmmm fruit cake.

3. Be the baker that catches the gingerbread man:

Start shopping today, or even for next year. My mother is the queen of buying me winter clothes that go on sale in the spring; she will let them sit in shopping bags until it’s time to wrap them up. You can do this with a lot of stuff be it home appliances/cook ware to even car accessories. Just cause you bought it last year for cheap doesn’t mean the person you give it to will know…unless you keep the tags on it.

4. Gift cards could be the best gift of all:

I personally love the little envelopes under the tree. It could only mean two things…money or gift card. Someone saved themselves the headache of trying to figure out what is the best gift for me and just opted for the gift card. Then I purchase the items that I always wanted…MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME! The good thing about gift cards is that they can’t be taxed and they are small enough just to throw in a purse or a small bag. No need to lug around hundreds of sacks. Also it is a great way to have a true figure amount on your budget.

5. Get into the holiday spirit and give up your time:

So, you got a friend that is hosting the biggest, largest mega holiday party in the world. Give up your time and energy and help them serve and clean up at the party. You’ll even get a great meal out of the deal.

6. Don’t use you credit card or Santa will put you on his naughty list:

This one is simple: if you don’t have the money to buy your lil’ bro a Xbox 360, then don’t. I bet he will be just as happy with that G.I. Joe with the kung-fu grip. You may feel great about yourself after you were able to get everyone what they wanted because you charged it. Well, I guarantee that feeling will change in January when you get that credit card statement showing all those costs. Here is a tip if you must get your lil’ bro a Xbox 360. How about getting a second job to do it? Plus, you can always yell at him about all the hours it took for you to pay for that thing, when he claims he is bored.

Okay, so those are just some of the tips how to avoid the winter blues when shopping this holiday season. Tell me what are some of the things you do to save money during the holiday shopping season?

P.S. Santa, if you are reading this I wear a size 14 shoe and would love some new Chucks and new Apple products. You know, just in case you are wondering what to give to your favorite Buck the Norm correspondent.

Happy Holidays!