Are You Planning?

It's something that many of us don't want to think of right now, but the fact is, Christmas is only 82 days away! 

 

The story is all to common.  December hits, credit card come out and the swiping goes into overdrive.

 

Sound familiar?  I thought it might. 

 

Here's a few tips to help you out this year:

 

1.  Make a list of the people that you need to buy for.

 

2.  Set limits for each person.  Don't just set limits, but be honest with yourself, and set real limits. 

 

3.  Keep your eyes on the sales right now.  You'll be surprised at some of the deep discounts that you can find right now.  Often times even bigger discounts than you will see in December.

 

4. Be careful about Layaway plans.  Before you place items on layaway, make sure you know what the stores policies are, and what, if any fees are associated with it. 

 

5.  If you're shopping online, try and find online stores that are offering FREE shipping.  One of my favorite places to shop online is Kohl's, because you can use up to 2 promotional codes for the same purchase! 

 

6.  If you can't afford it, PASS on it!  Buying things that you cannot afford on a credit card is where many of us get into trouble.  The fact is, it will take you YEARS to pay off a credit card with a $3000 balance on it if you're only paying the minimum amount due each month.  By the time your done paying for your items, you've probably paid more than double the amount in interest alone!  We got into credit card trouble years ago, and vowed to never go there again.  We have since gotten rid of ALL credit cards and all the debt that goes along with it!  Christmas gifts in our house are paid with cash, and cash only!

 

7.  Redeem those points now from places like My Survey, and Swagbucks for gift cards, and put away for gifts. 

 

8.  Planning is everything.  Once you have your list of people, have ideas for each one.  Since I have my phone basically glued to myself at all times, I make notes throughout the year when an idea comes to me.  There are some great apps to help you keep track of everything like this FREE app from the App Store, Christmas Shopping iList.

 

I'll be posting more great ideas each week until Christmas is upon us, so stay tuned!