7 Quick Holiday Shopping Tips

Americans accumulate the largest amount of debt during the holiday season. If you don't have the cash to buy gifts be honest with yourself. Admitting that you have a problem living above your means is the first step to addressing the problem and overcoming it.

Being in debt is no fun and makes you feel lousy. If you go into debt every year during the holidays – now is the time to stop. Repeating the same mistake over and over again and expecting a different result is defined by Webster's dictionary as "insanity".

Don't let the media, advertisements or other make you feel guilty for not buying a gift or for buying an inexpensive gift. If you are low on cash and can't afford to guy gifts this holiday season here are some 7 quick tips to help you save money.

1. Buy Christmas gifts during store sales.

2. Visit local vendors, you can probably haggle to good a good deal on the same items you find in the department store.

3. If you are good with arts & craft, think of creative gifts to give that you can make yourself.

4. Visit the dollar store to look for children's gifts.

5. If you have to buy gifts for several family members suggest a "Secret Santa" or exchange names so only one person has to buy a gift for one person and set a limit on the amount spent. Don't buy gifts on Christmas Eve or the day before Christmas Eve. Selection is limited and lines at the register are longer.

6. Shop online, some companies waive shipping and handling fees during the holiday season.

7. Don't wait until the last minute. Out of desperation you may make bad choices and spend more spend than you have to.

6 Holiday Savings Tips

Most Americans spend the greatest amount of money during the December holiday season. The holidays should not be filled with anxiety, pressure or guilt about spending money during the holidays. If you don't have the money to buy gifts be honest. 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 6 tips to help you save money during holiday shopping.

1. Buy Christmas or holidays gifts during store sales in October or November.
2. Visit local vendors, you can probably negotiate a good deal on the same items you find in the department stores.
3. Think of creative gifts to give that you can make yourself.
4. Visit the local dollar store to find gifts for children.
5. 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.
6. Shop online, some companies waive shipping and handling fees during the holiday season.

Holiday Spending

The holidays are approaching and everyone is getting ready to spend money. Before you start your Christmas shopping check your finances and check your spending history. Ask yourself these questions.

1. Did you have to charge your Christmas gifts last year or will you have to charge your Christmas gifts this year?
2. Did it take you at least 6 months to pay off your debts from Christmas shopping last year?
3. Did you buy too many expensive gifts or more than you should have?
4. Are you ashamed that if you buy a gift that costs $20 people will think you are cheap or are poor or broke?
5. Well, don't. You are not cheap, everyone doesn't have Donald Trump money and people should understand that. It really is the thought that counts and if someone gets upset because you only spent $20 on a gift, that is their problem not yours. Many people have lost site of what the holidays are all about. It is not about giving a gift, it is about spending time with your family, being thankful, reflecting on the past year, and thinking about things you would like to change in the New Year.

This year start thinking about changing your spending habits. If you start saving this year you won't have to go into debt next year when doing your Christmas shopping.

Here are some tips to save on your Christmas shopping.

1. Buy Christmas gifts during store sales.
2. Spend less money on gifts this year than you did last year.
3. Check out local vendors, you can probably haggle to good a good deal on the same items you find in the department store.
4. Think of creative gifts to give that you can make yourself.
5. If you have to buy children's gifts check out your local dollar store.
6. If you really want to buy gifts but don't have the money get a part-time job until Christmas arrives to make extra money so you don't go into debt.
7. Starting next year buy your gifts throughout the year so you don't feel overwhelmed with buying all of your Christmas gifts at one time.
8. If you have to buy gifts for several members of your family suggest exchanging gifts so only one person has to buy a gift for one person and set a limit on the amount spent. That way everyone gets a gift and you are not burdened with buying several gifts.
9. Make getting out of debt one of your new year's resolutions.
   

For more tips and information on how to get out of debt you can buy my book, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating For Free Using the System I've Used Successfully With Thousands of Clients at www.hefreemanenteprises.com.