Can Your Wallet Survive Christmas?

Christmas is that time of year when the sound of Christmas carols is mixed with the beeping of cash registers. When Visa and MasterCard are processing hundreds of transactions a second, every second of every minute all through the Christmas season. When 60% of the years retail sales take place. Where every business is after your money with commercials showing cars gift wrapped and furniture that you can pay for 15 months from now, and the latest “hot item” that everyone has to have.

What can you do to protect your wallet?

First, put away your credit cards. Decide on how much you are prepared to spend and then use Cash or your debit card so you do not spend more then you planned. Don't forget that wrapping paper and postage are part of the cost of Christmas, so make sure you take that into consideration.

Next, rethink your gift giving. It really is true that the thought is what counts, often a small box of candy is as meaningful as a expensive “not sure what to get” gift. You should take a look at your gift list, you can suggest that the family and work draw names and set price limits for giving. It is great fun to hunt for the perfect 10 dollar gift.

You can keep a handle on your spending. It is possible to have Christmas without Tickle Me Elmo or 42 inch LCD HD TV or Xbox 360 or what ever the “have to have” gift is this year. NO your kids physic will not be damaged if they don't get everything on their wish list.

Shop early so you avoid the heavy weight Christmas marketing action. One of the best ways to not spend money during the holiday season - Don't go to the mall! Pick a time for doing your Christmas shopping and then make an effort to stay away from the stores after that. We are finding more and more that we can pick up just that perfect gift for that special someone during the year and tuck it away until Christmas.

Mostly remember that the Joy of Christmas is not buy, buy, buy. The Joy of Christmas is time spent with family and friends. The cherished moments of a new grandchild's first Christmas, where the wrapping paper is more fun then the toys. The time spent putting up the Christmas tree and getting those lights just right. Then hot chocolate and Christmas carols as you watch the lights shimmer.

This year enjoy Christmas without fainting when you open the January credit card bill.

Cheap-o Economics