How to Save Money on Christmas Spending
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Posted in Money Matters
Work from a Budget
Make a list of everyone you plan to give holiday gifts to this year with an estimate of what you want to spend. Add a small buffer for unexpected gifts for people you forgot to include, or for people who unexpectedly gave you a gift and you feel you have to reciprocate. A gift card or homemade Christmas baking work well for these situations.
Research Ahead of Time
Spend some time getting gift ideas for everyone on your list. Once you have an idea of what you’re going buy, comparison shop on-line.
Pay Cash
It’s easy to overspend when your charging purchases to your credit card. When the money is coming right out of your bank account, you’re more likely to spend less.
Organize Your Shopping Time
The easiest way to stick to your Christmas gift budget is to block out a couple of specific times to shop, and complete it during those times. Browsing leads to overbuying. If you plan to shop online, make that one of your designated shopping sessions.
Don’t Get Sucked in by a Sale
That foot massager may be a great price, but does it fit your budget? Does anyone on your list want a foot massager? If not, leave the “bargain” behind.
Don’t Buy for Yourself
It’s easy to see things you would like, while you’re out buying gifts for others. Even if it’s something you need, ignore it. Your bank account will be in better shape if you don’t give in to temptation.
Track Your Spending
When you see the numbers adding up, you’re less likely to overspend. Your log can be compared to your budget to ensure that you’re sticking to your plan.
Shop All Year
Shopping under pressure leads to overspending. Keep your eyes open all year round for sale items that will work for your gift reuqirments. If you shop early you’ll save money and feel less stressed as the holidays approach.
Use eBay and Craigslist
Often you can find brand-new merchandise at bragain prices.
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Comments
Thought sure you would mention the time honored tradition of “re-gifting” 
It’s just not Christmas if I don’t get a fruitcake from someone, who obviously got it from someone else first.
No worries though, great post !
Saving money on Christmas Shopping is really a big thing to do. And these points really gives some good ideas to save it.
RE: Making Money at Christmas Time
Hi Everyone -
Try this to make some extra money immediately…
It’s no secret that one of the fastest ways to generate some quick cash is to sell stuff around the house that you don’t use anymore . . .
But even if you’re an Olympic gold medalist “pack rat” like me, you’ll soon run out of things to unload.
So go to http://www.ExtraMoneyForChristmas.com and download my FREE report that explains one of the absolute best strategies I know for finding an endless supply of items at NO cost.
In the mini-report, you will learn *exactly* how to find FREE stuff to sell . . .
Then it’s up to you whether to have a garage sale, advertise for free on Craigslist or hold an auction on eBay . . . whatever cash you rake in will be almost pure profit!
Hope that helps …
Merry Christmas to you and your family !!!
Frontrunner