Most Americans accumulate the greatest amount of debt during the December holiday season. The holidays should be filled with joy and laughter not anxiety, pressure or guilty about spending money during the holidays.
If you don't have the money to buy gifts be honest and tell the persons who are expecting gifts just that. If you have a small amount of buy to buy gifts buy what you can and don't use your credit card to buy gifts unless you have the money to pay the debt off in two or three months. Here are 11 tips to help you save money during holiday shopping.
- Don't buy gifts on Christmas eve or the day before Christmas eve. Selection is limited and lines at the register are longer.
- Buy Christmas or holidays gifts during store sales in October or November.
- Spend less money on gifts this year than you did the previous year.
- Visit local vendors, you can probably negotiate a good deal on the same items you will find in the department store.
- Think of creative gifts to give that you can make yourself.
- Visit the local dollar store to find gifts for children.
- Get a part-time job until Christmas arrives if need money to buy gifts (this will prevent you from using that credit card).
- Buy gifts throughout the year so you don't feel overwhelmed with buying all of your Christmas or holiday gifts at once.
- If you have to buy gifts for several family members try doing a "secret Santa" or "grab bag" so only one family member has to buy a gift for one family member and set a limit on the amount spent. That way everyone gets a gift and you don't have to worry about buying several gifts.
- Shop online, some companies waive shipping and handling fees during the holiday season.
- Make getting out of debt one of your new year's resolutions.
Copyright © 2007 H.E. Freeman Enterprises
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