Smart Shoppers Can Have a Great Holiday and Spend Less Money

Some shoppers may benefit from a general trend toward a better financial situation toward the end of 2009, but what if you're not one of them? How can smart shoppers spend less and still have a great holiday season this year? You can do it if you're smart.

For the first time since 2007, consumer confidence is on the rise in the United States and European economies, so says the managing director of Nielson Homg Kong. But will that translate into more spending by consumers in the U.S., the world's biggest consumer market? And what does this mean to the average everyday working Joe out there and their families? The Conference Board index of U.S. consumer confidence showed a sharp deterioration in consumer confidence this month. While many economies around the globe are rebounding, many more are still floundering in the stale backwaters of the global recession. So what does it all mean for U.S. consumers this holiday season?

Times are tough this year.

More people are more conservative about their finances this past year and that may mean less holiday dollars for retailers. Many folks will reconsider the amount of money they're willing to put out this Christmas. People are feeling more positive this year about saving according to NetSpend, one of the leading providers of pre-paid debit cards in the U.S. Credit cards are being paid back at higher rates than last year as well. According to government figures, people are saving more which means they're spending less. But are they saving those dollars to spend at Christmas? That's the question most retailers are asking.

The recession looms heavily over retailers.

The holiday season is the busiest time of the year for most retailers. People buy Christmas gifts, and they buy more food and drink this time of year. But because more people are willing to save money rather than spend it, big-ticket items and expensive holiday gifts may not be on everyone's shopping list this year. People are going to have to pony up and spend that money from savings or pull out the credit card. The festive boost in sales may not be in the future of many of the nation's retailers. With employment still on the rise in some areas of the country and a fragile consumer confidence, many already struggling retailers are fearing Christmas 2009 may be worse than Christmas 2008.

So what's a smart shopper to do?

It's time for shoppers to get smart and savvy. Smart folks can find ways to rebalance their financial situation in this recession and figure out ways to reduce the total amount of money they put out for Christmas this year. Here's some great tips to help you save money over the upcoming holiday season:

• Make a list - and stick to it. You won't be tempted or swayed by all the so-called "special offers" and "price reductions" that are bound to be everywhere this year.

• Carefully consider how much money you will spend for each person on your list and don't spend a nickel more. It's called a budget, and more people than ever are rediscovering it.

• Shop by yourself. If you go shopping with friends you'll actually be tempted to spend more money. Do yourself a favor and forge out on your own this year.

• Shop online rather than paying the high price retailers. Most smart retailers are taking advantage of the upward trend of shopping online. More and more people are getting great bargains and low prices by shopping on the internet. Don't wait too long to order online. Quantities on some items run out quick, especially for the lowest priced items.

One thing is clear this holiday season - financial priorities have been redefined, especially in the area of personal spending. Getting a "great deal" will be a vital part of the shopping arsenal this year. Value is the key, more bang for your buck. The smart shopper this year will decide what they want to but, and then go find the best bargain on that item - and indeed have a great Christmas while spending less money.