Holiday Shopping Mania!

Question: Are you ready for some holiday shopping? Not sure?

Put it this way: you need to be ready...you don't want to fall in that over-spending trap...you want to win the game.

Remember, you have or will consolidate, you are on your way to reducing your debts, and you are being very persistent in moving forward no matter what!

How's that for a motivational truth?

Beyond motivation, you need a plan. Consider the following:

Think shopping lists - Before you head out, create a list with names, items, and approximate prices next to them.

If you don't know what you're going to get for someone, put down that person's name and a price range (low to high).

Make it a point not to go over your high range.

Internet - Mark on the list any items that can be researched or purchased on the Internet...think about the time,and gas money you'll save.

Get more cash - If you know for sure that you do not have the money for the holidays, consider boosting your income by obtaining a part time job. Merchants are always looking for the extra help during these times.

You are who you shop with - Holiday shopping is fun and exciting...but that doesn't mean you have to do it with your spendaholic best friend.

Focus on getting doing your shopping and sticking with your plan and then meet up during a break. This will save you bigtime.

Catalogs can be trap - Yes, I love catalogs too...but those beautiful, glossy pictures can lead us to overspend if we are not careful.

Credit Card do's - Look for and use a credit card with a low fixed rate if you're carrying a balance.

Using a separate card for any new purchases and paying it off fully in a month is the second best option. Very best option? CASH.

More credit card do's - If you're in good shape and are not carrying a balance, think of going with a credit card with rewards.

The best offer depends on what's important to you.

Progress - Keep track of how you are doing when holiday shopping.

Be honest about it - don't come up with excuses if you have spent more than what you planned for.

Think about going with the low range for the ones still left on the list.

Planning for holiday shopping doesn't take the fun away...it actually helps ensure that the fun and joy endures past holiday time.

Happy Holidays!