Wednesday, November 19, 2008

This is the scariest time for me....

right before Christmas....

This is when I throw all caution to the wind and spend like crazy because it's Christmas....this is when I spend way too much on things that just aren't needed....

I've tried to prepare for this, and the fact that Thanksgiving is late this year is a good thing...

but I struggle so much on buying this time of year...

I'll need all of your help in the next weeks.....

Any ideas???

10 comments:

letterstoelijah said...

take your debit and credit cards out of your wallet and go cash only. I started this a week ago... and it has made a HUGE difference!

jpkittie said...

I am with 'letters to elijah' --- use cash only BUT ALSO shope with a list - make sure that you account for everyone - include your budget for that person & then also put some ideas... Make sure you travel with that list! Do not be caught without it!!!!

We are all here to support you :)

Sharon said...

Thanks!! I will definitely shop with cash AND a list....here's hoping!

CT Mom said...

Hi Sharon! May be a bit anal, but I actually set up a spreadsheet with the overall budget, everyone's names, the budget for each gift, and gift ideas. When we're done shopping, we note the actual cost, and what we bought. This way I can keep a running total of our spending, and also what we bought for whom - I can't tell you how many times we go to wrap gifts and say, "who was this for again?"

Helps us a lot every year. May be overkill, but it keeps us on track.

Happy holidays - don't stress, enjoy!

natedavidscott said...

great ideas so far.
CASH
and a very specific list.

I would add, a very specific budget.
We usually set a total amount we can spend and then do an average "per person".

Then I would put all things in perspective:
1 - We (as Americans in general) already have EVERYTHING we NEED!
2 - What's more important? giving gifts that may be forgotten in a day or two, or using money wisely so a month or year down the road you won't be regretting life.

You can do it! You can do it! You can do it!

asgreen said...

Decide how much you are willing to spend on people before you go out. I give myself a max amount for my sister, for my parents, and for my boyfriends and then I do my best to find loving and thoughtful gifts in that amount. good luck!

Sharon said...

Thanks for all the great ideas..

CT Mom, I actually do a list, mainly to make sure I have the same amount of packages to open for each child since we open gifts one at a time...have always done that.

So far the cash flow for Christmas looks good,but I have to be VERY careful.

Canadian Saver said...

I make up a spreadsheet like CT mom too! It's worked great in the past..

Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

agree agree on the list and the cash only! or maybe just stick all the money in a CD, haha.

a set amount per person is a great idea too. one other thing is that every time you make a purchase, ask yourself how you are going to pay for it (like suze orman does!). good luck!

Saver Queen said...

Definitely stick to the list and go with cash. Another suggestion is to limit the number of stores you go into and give yourself a limited time frame. For example, go in between appointments. The less time you have, the less money you'll spend. And the fewer stores you enter, the less tempted you'll be. Once you're done, stay out of the stores and avoid looking at the flyers or checking out deals online. Good luck!