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beginning of September is the end of summer vacation and back
to business. Fall is a huge retail season because of the Christmas
buying blitz. And speaking of the holidays how are you planning
to pay for all the festivities? Many of us have good intentions
but end up maxing out our credit cards. Here are a few tips
to keep your holiday shopping in control.
Make a
list of everyone that you usually buy presents for. It may
be a shock that your list is 20 or so people. Take a long
hard look and cut the list in half. Instead of a gift consider
sending a card with a personal letter. You might be surprised
to find out that those who you've cut are just as glad because
they don't have to reciprocate. Send the cards out early,
right after Thanksgiving and add a note that says something
like "while you've enjoyed exchanging gifts over the
year, you're going to be concentrating on the immediate family
only from now on."
Another
alternative is to send a homemade gift of cookies or candies
with a card that says "open now to enjoy before Christmas."
If you
still receive a gift, send a thank you note, but don't feel
obligated to rush out and buy a present.
Instead
of individual presents, one for nephew Mike, another for niece
Susie, your brother Al and your sister-in-law Ruth, give a
family present they can all enjoy. It could be a gift certificate
for the movies, a board game, or a gift basket of food they
can share. The total amount you spend will be less than individual
gifts for each.
Make a
list of the people and potential gifts with a dollar amount.
Withdraw the amount of cash you need and take a weekend to
get all the gifts. When you're finished that's it, no more
shopping, no more spending.
If you
absolutely must use a credit card for purchases select the
one with the lowest interest rate. Check the available balance
to make sure there is enough to cover your purchases. Some
credit card companies are closing off lines of credit and
not telling their customers until they receive their next
statement.
Do the
gift shopping now. Over the next few months save enough to
pay off the amount that you purchased on your card and pay
it in late December. You'll start off the New Year without
that Christmas shopping hangover.
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