Bargain Shop for Christmas Savings

by Kelly S
(Detroit, MI)

Tough times call for creative spending!

The first way I changed my spending habits was to make a list sometime between January and March of who I have to buy for throughout the next year, for Christmas, birthdays, etc.

Then I fill in any that I know what I want to buy them. I look through ads all year long to find the perfect gift for each person at the perfect price.

When receiving random coupons for things I don't use, I look at my list to see if it is something a family member would like.

I only shop the after Thanksgiving sale at one store because anyone would go crazy in that mess. I usually do Wal Marts because you can get the most bases covered there.

Also, in the past I would buy whatever felt right for people, but the last couple years, I have put a strict spending cap on each person on my list.

This avoids overspending. I calculate what the budget for Christmas should be, and I stick to only paying with cash, so that there is no going over.

On Birthday gifts, I have begun making cards and gift bags, because they have gotten out of control expensive. I keep a limit on the amount spent on birthday gifts also.

My biggest advice in spending less is to have a plan, stick to that plan, and bargain shop!!!

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