When it comes to shopping for Christmas, the phrase: “Better late than never” just doesn’t apply anymore.

Every week during the year, department stores have sales. In addition, if you check the Sunday papers every week, odds are you will find some store offering a sale the following week. So why do some people wait until Christmas Eve to buy gifts? Perhaps if they knew how much money they could have saved if they had shopped during the year, they would pause and ponder the concept.

Let’s face it; with the economy in a decline, companies have to mark up their merchandise – especially during the holidays. Since money is very tight for the average consumer, make it easier on yourself and start Christmas shopping earlier in the year – around spring is a good time.

While there are times when an unexpected guest may arrive for Christmas Eve dinner or someone in your office gave you a gift and you feel you have to reciprocate, the beauty of shopping early is that you can buy several of the same items that are on sale and have them on hand for such an occasion.

Gift cards have become the most popular gift over the last several years. They are easily attainable and can be purchased online, at department stores, electronic stores, nail salons, spas, or even at drug stores. In fact, you can purchase these gift cards in July without worry since they usually have a one year expiration date.

With the price of gas soaring, you can even buy a VISA gift card and give it to a friend or family member to purchase gas. The possibilities are endless, and shopping early not only saves time in the long term, but money as well. This is particularly true if you are on a budget.

Another way you can shop for Christmas early is by shopping online. Some of us prefer this method as you can take your time, find sites that offer great deals, use online coupons, and have the items delivered. All you have to do is wrap them at the appropriate time.

Here’s another tip: If you shop on Amazon.com, a great deal is to sign up for their Amazon Prime Program. You pay $79.00 a year and all items purchased over $25.00 are shipped free with two-day shipping as well. They also offer gift cards.

As we all strive to maintain our budgets and save money, isn’t it worth it to start your Christmas shopping early?

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You have made your Christmas list, checked it twice, and now you are prepared to venture out on the most important day of the year – Black Friday. Wait! There is just one word of caution – do not go Money Mad on this sales day!

Who doesn’t love a sale? Who dislikes paying off debts? In this case, the two are not mutually exclusive. Shopping on Black Friday, although you can enjoy savings, can also put you into debt if you are not careful.

Here are some tips to help you stick to your Christmas list and your budget:

* Check the prices either online or in the newspaper before you go.
* Clip out the coupons that offer an all-day discount.
* Stick to the budget you’ve set out and the price you’ve assigned for each gift.
* Bring just enough cash to cover the cost of the gifts.
* Use a debit card, or if you really have to use a credit card, stick to the amount you set out to spend and go no further.
* Arrive early in the morning.
* Bring a friend to not only help you find the items, but also to deter you from buying anything that’s not on the list.
* Check out the store before Black Friday and locate the items you intend to purchase. You may also wish to check if they can be held for you until Friday.
* When you arrive at the store, go directly to the department where your items can be found.
* After you have finished all your shopping, leave immediately. Don’t stop to browse or look for something to buy for you. You and your friend can have a leisurely lunch to relax and de-stress.

Yes, the sale items will be enticing and tempting, but remember that the bill will arrive in the mail the following month and you will have to deal with the consequences if you overspend.

Here’s another thought to ponder. Are these sale items marked up specifically for Black Friday? Consider how much you would pay for a blouse on sale if you shopped in August. Department stores are in the business of making money. In order to do so, they are certainly not going to sell an item for no profit.

If you really want to save money, time, and stress – start your Christmas shopping in the early spring or summer. You can shop on any sale day when the stores are less crowded and you have time to consider the purchase.

In fact, there are millions of people who have boycotted Black Friday altogether. Perhaps they know something we don’t!

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With Christmas just around the corner, here are some shopping tips and suggestions that can save you money and help reduce the time spent shopping.

Department Stores

* Make your gift list before you shop.
* Assign a dollar value to each gift and stick to it.
* Begin shopping earlier in the year, preferably in the spring or summer.
* If you shop at department stores in the late fall, plan on arriving early in the morning and at the beginning of the week.
* Go directly to the department where you’ll find your gift items.
* Try not to stray from your destination by browsing.
* Pay with cash whenever possible or use a debit card.
* If there are sales in any given week, arrange to arrive early and buy several of the same items in case you need an extra gift. Check your local newspapers daily.
* If you have to use a credit card, bring only one with you. Pay off the purchase when the bill is received.
* Give yourself two or three days to complete your holiday shopping.

Online Shopping

* Only shop on secure websites. Look for the lock at the bottom right hand corner of the website as well as the “https” in the URL on the payment page.
* Use one credit card only for all purchases.
* Go to coupon sites to check what merchandise is available with a discount.
* After you have placed your order, clear your history on the computer.
* Never leave your computer on after you have made purchases. Clear your cache, history, and shut it down. (This applies to cable modem users).
* Ensure that the website has an address and telephone and/or online communication in case there is a problem.
* Most well-known sites will send you an email immediately after purchase to confirm.
* Print out all purchases. Keep track of confirmation numbers as well as tracking numbers.
* Ensure that your computer has the most updated security software.
* Check your credit report in January. You are allowed free access annually.

These are just some tips and suggestions to think about during the holiday shopping season. You may have arrived at other great suggestions that have offered you a pleasant shopping experience.

If you carry cash, purchase a pouch that you can wear either around your waist or around your neck. Never leave your purse open in a store and always keep your purse close to the front of your body. Make sure you leave the store with your credit card, and always be vigilant about the people around you, especially when retrieving money from an ATM machine.

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With the Christmas holidays two months away, you have probably made your list of gifts for family and friends. Perhaps you have also decided to reduce the amount spent per gift this year, and that’s ok. Frugal gift giving doesn’t necessarily mean cheap, but rather thoughtful and creative gifts that your recipients will appreciate and treasure.

Here are some ideas and suggestions on how you can present wonderful gifts this Christmas without breaking the bank.

If you love to bake, why not put together a gift basket filled with homemade cookies and muffins as well as a variety of teas. You can purchase baskets at any dollar store, as well as the wrapping to go along with it.

Another gift idea that has always been popular is a basket filled with bath and body lotions, body wash, and scrubs. These items are very affordable and you can create a unique basket filled with scents that are sure to please any recipient.

Do you have a friend or family member who loves coffee? If so, you can purchase a box of sample coffees. Add some homemade muffins and present it in a gift basket as well.

Aromatherapy candles are also a big hit. Add CDs that can calm and soothe such as sounds of nature or the ocean. You can find these affordable items at dollar stores and online for half the price.

If you make your own homemade jams and jellies, why not put together a gift basket filled with these items along with homemade muffins and some green tea. This is a healthy and inexpensive way to say you truly care about the recipient’s wellbeing.

Perhaps you have a friend who loves books. There are plenty of books on a variety of topics you can buy at half the price at bookstores or online.

How about a large soup cup filled with hot chocolate mix and marshmallows for those cold winter nights? You can use your creative ideas to make this a most unique “basket” of treats.

Gifts do not have to be expensive. It could be a picture of you and your friend placed in a lovely frame, a homemade hat and scarf for the winter or even a CD of favorite Christmas music that you put together for that special friend.

Frugal gift giving not only saves money, but allows you to really think about a gift that is unique to the person. It shows you have taken the time to select or create those items you know will be appreciated by a friend or family member.

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While we all enjoy the Christmas holidays, once the bills begin to arrive we are usually brought back down to earth with a bang. If you want to avoid holiday debt, here are some tips.

Open up a Christmas club on January 2nd. You can contribute five or ten dollars a week to the club and by October you will either have $200 or $400 to spend on Christmas gifts.

Avoid using your credit card to buy gifts. This only adds to your ongoing debt and will just leave you stressed out after the holidays. Pay with cash whenever possible. If you have to buy an item with a credit card, pay the bill off as soon as you receive it.

A Christmas budget would be a great idea to decrease the likelihood that you will overspend on gifts. Make a list of the friends and family members you intend to give a gift to and assign a dollar amount. It is important to stick to the budget.

Begin Christmas shopping earlier in the year. There are always sales every week – take advantage of them. You can even buy two or more of the same item in case you have to give a gift you weren’t planning on.

If you like to shop online, use one credit card. There are many online coupon sites that offer great savings throughout the year. Utilize the coupons, check out the sales, and make your purchases. Remember to pay the credit card bill balance as soon as possible.

Perhaps Jane and little Joey want something very expensive this Christmas. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. With the list of gifts they will present to you, there is sure to be some items you can afford.

Holiday debt may be avoidable if you start with a Christmas budget, put aside a few dollars every day, or open a Christmas club. Instead of buying a cup of coffee everyday, put that money towards Christmas.

Let’s be honest, buying items with credit card is very easy to do these days, especially with internet shopping. But if you shop early, you can certainly pay off the debt before the holidays and start the New Year with a “bang” instead of a whimper.

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