It's Christmas time already? Yes! With this year's holiday season starting in less than two weeks, many consumers are already looking for creative ways to get the most from their money this holiday season.
Still feeling the aftershocks of an unstable economy, shoppers are now more cautious than ever in how they will spend their hard-earned money this holiday season.
Long gone are the days when sales, deals and coupon clipping were used only by the frugal at heart.
Once a matter of choice, penny-pinching has now become a way of survival.
With a little planning and a dose of Christmastime intervention, these five tips will not only save you time and money, it will ensure that this year's Christmas tree is filled with gifts for everyone.
Make a List - Even Santa knows the importance of making a list.
In fact, it's Santa's list that ensures children around the world wake up to plenty of gifts on Christmas morning.
As such, it's never too early to start working on your Christmas list.
Heck, even jolly Old St.
Nicholas works on his list year-round.
You can save yourself a lot of frustration and possible embarrassment by starting your list now and checking it often for anyone you may have mistakenly left off.
Santa checks his list twice, shouldn't you? Having a list gives you much more than something else to keep up with; a list is a great visual reference reminding you of all the gifts you'll need this Christmastime.
A list also allows you to budget your money accordingly.
And speaking of money, after you have made your list, you'll want to decide on a budget per person.
This is what I like and uniquely crafted the 'PPP', price-per-person.
Do yourself a favor.
Set your budget before you go shopping and most importantly stick to your budget no matter what.
Let your budget rule your spending this year and not your heart.
Sales and Coupons- I hear you loud and clear, "Show me the deals!" This holiday season like those in the past are full of sales and great deals.
While shopping in masses on Black Friday may not be your cup of tea, don't turn the cheek to Black Friday sales.
Black Friday, officially recognized the day after Thanksgiving, can provide you with incredible savings.
So fighting, well figuratively speaking or maybe not, for this year's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 isn't for you and neither is standing in line amongst other pre-dawn anxious shoppers, there's still is no reason to wave a white flag to other shopping enthusiasts.
Don't fret, you have another option.
Cyber Monday, the newest in holiday traditions is held the first Monday after Thanksgiving.
While reserved for online purchases only, it is an option you'll want to consider.
Subscribe to the 'Rule of Free' - A great way to save money is to buy Christmas' gifts from businesses that offer free shipping, free gift wrapping or both.
Buy Online - Shopping online allows consumers like you to shop hassle free 24/7.
As such, online stores are the perfect venue for buying unique gifts for family and friends..
Com's are home to many desirable fashionable jewelry pieces, electronics gadgets, exclusive clothing lines, hand-made and collector items.
Shop early - And last but not least, shop early! No, it wasn't your imagination.
You actually did see Christmas commercials this year in mid-October.
And it wasn't because there was a drastic cut in advertising costs.
Businesses are vying for your attention.
As such they are offering tons of holiday savings.
Take advantage of these businesses marketing revenue and bathe yourself in these incredible savings.
Start your Christmas shopping today! You'll be glad you did.