Managing Christmas Without Going Broke

Tis the season to be tempted by retailers doing everything to empty your pockets! How do you manage this without overextending your credit cards, or going into debt? Here are a few suggestions to keep your holidays happy without the feeling of impending doom that comes when you just know you have overspent your budget.

Make a list and check it twice

It works for Santa, so why not try it? If you forget someone, and rush out madly to buy a last minute Christmas gift, chances are that you will overspend. If you make a list and include your budget for each person, you will be more able to manage your overall expenditures without going over. Make sure that you don't overspend on those who don't have as much to spend - it is easy to make them feel badly about not being able to spend as much on you and that is contrary to the Christmas spirit.

Buy gifts that align with their interests or hobbies

Magazines are a great idea when you are giving to someone with an avid hobby or interest - just always make sure that they don't already receive the publication before you purchase. Checking in with friends or relatives is a good idea here. Here is a great link with a coupon for $5 off on magazine subscriptions. $5 off Magazine Subscriptions

Use the Internet

Although those stores look really attractive, I find I spend less if I can search specifically for what I want and am not tempted by all those artistically arranged displays of expensive items in the store. There are a great deal of product overstock companies such as www.overstock.com and Cliquidate.com that have great bargains on hot items. Noone will ever know that they came from a liquidator!

Also, don't forget Ebay (www.ebay.com )! Every year, I do about 50% of my shopping on Ebay and find amazing bargains by not letting myself get caught up into a bidding frenzy, and looking for items that are ending soon.

Make your own

Homemade Christmas gifts are perfect for keeping the spirit of Christmas alive as they are giving your recipient a piece of YOU! Homemade breads, jams, jellies, candles, knitted items, and woodcrafts are all appreciated and time honored gifts. If you are not handy with any of these items, try getting a picture framed into a nice frame, or using your computer to print a picture calendar or desk item. There are many places where you can get inexpensive movie making software, saving memories in DVD format is another inexpensive way to give a meaningful gift. Candles are also very easy to make, and can become an enjoyable project for the entire family.

Consolidate your purchases

Retailers often give discounts if you buy a lot of something - it can be tacky to give everyone on your list the same thing, but if they are not going to talk to each other, why not?

All men love tools, if you get each man on your list a different tool and use this link to buy $500 worth of tools, you get $40 off. Take $40 Off Any Order of NEW DeWalt Tools Totaling $500 Use Coupon Code TKDW40

The shipping is a flat rate of $7.95.

Give the gift of communication

If you have relatives that live far away and haven't yet discovered VOIP, a calling card may be a great idea for them. Grandparents are often cash poor, and love the sound of their grandchildren's voices. Here is a link to a calling card that offers 50 free minutes: BEST CALLING CARDS and INSTANT PINS-CLICK HERE

Shop early

It has definitely been my experience that I spend more if I wait until the last minute! Shopping early also allows more time for enjoying the Christmas holiday, and reduces stress which can lead to "retail therapy".

I hope I have given you some good ideas for this Holiday season. Merry Christmas!