I know this is a strange time of year to bring up the subject of Christmas, but a little advance planning could take the budget squeeze of Christmas away. Spending a couple dollars a month during the year can save you lots of money (and headaches) when December rolls around.
Here are a couple tips that might give you some ideas.
- Search the clearance aisles regularly. Take your time, and think of those on your Christmas list as you look. This is a great way to pick up items at a fraction of their regular price (especially clothes!)
- If you like to poke around on ebay, think of items that you would like to give as gifts, and do regular searches for them throughout the year. When you find a great deal, grab it. You can also use the cheapest shipping options now, because you aren't in the Christmas rush.
- Take advantage of sales that stores have throughout the year. Memorial Day sales, Labor Day sales, etc. Also, look through the Sunday paper at the sales papers.
- Whenever you're shopping...anywhere, and you see a great deal, but you don't particularly want it, think of who it would make a good present for...and cross them off your list!
- Find a good hiding place for your gifts. (corner of a closet, storage shed, etc.) Keep them all together, so you don't forget any when it's time to get everything together later in the year. Heck, you can even wrap them now, and get that over with too!
Buying even one gift per month should go a long way towards easing the tension of holiday shopping.
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