Frugal Holidays

It is almost that time of the year again. Have you read stories of people spending themselves to death during holidays? Filling for bankrupt in January? These people start shopping in September all through the holiday till January. Well guess what we don’t want to be in that group. So today I have great ideas that will help you be frugal, stay out of debt and still enjoy the holidays.

Plan Ahead of Time

It's Imperative to get things on the list and plan accordingly. Doing this will avoid the rush and keeping your sanity during the holiday seasons. Only buy the things you need, not what you want. Saying by unknown author: We don’t plan to fail but we fail to plan.

Avoid window-shopping.

This will only lead to impulse buying.  Impulse buying: Buying things you did not plan or intended on buying. Like the magazines displayed at check out isle right in front of you calling your name. But the advertisers know how to get your attention. Save yourself from becoming a victim.

Inventory

Go through last year’s holiday decorations because over years we have accumulated a lot. Some Christmass trees are over loaded with decorations nowadays. At these economic times, we don’t need to be spending any extra money we don’t have, especially on plastic (borrowed money). I bet you 100% that you have enough holiday decorations. 

No Presents

Holiday is about celebrating with family members and friends and it has nothing to do with presents. Tell all the friends and family members that you will not be exchanging presents this year. Be honest, about not having extra this year because of what you are facing. Explain especially to kids about this so they don’t get disappointed on Christmas morning or whatever holiday you celebrate. It the kids are to young to understand, you can always wrap an old present they never used, you will be surprise what you have in that closet.

If other family insists on buying presents, just tell them you will not be participating. And don’t feel guilty about this. Actually I would rather have no presents during the holiday seasons and money in the bank and peace of mind when New Year rolls around.

Say No To Layaways

Layaway is purchasing an item without paying the full price. The items stay at the store until full payment is received. There is a fee charged by retailers for keeping this item for specific period of time. If consumer does not finish the payments by the stated date, they will loose what they have paid into it.

 Layaways are just a sign of trouble so don’t do it. If you don’t have the money now, where are you going to find it in two months? Don’t even think about using your bonus check. With the way things are going with the economy a lot of people still working might not even be getting a bonus this year, leave alone a raise.

Buy Online

Buying online will not only save you time but you get to keep your sanity. No long lines to wait in, and its very convenient. All you need is your debit card and high speed Internet or even dial up. You can shop 24/7. But remember all your frugality rules. You if shop online and overspend yourself, that defeats the whole purpose of being frugal.

Those pictures with exceptions of the Jews and kwanzaa, are all mine, got boxes from years before. I not adding any more.