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Before heading
out to the mall to buy gifts for all those folks on your list, take some time
to prepare so you don't end up with a maxed-out credit line or a checking account
without enough cash in it to buy even one candy cane.
Here are some tips to help you
get organized before you start spending: 1.
Be organized. Before you start shopping, have a budget, a shopping list
and some back-up gift ideas in case you cannot find your first choice. "The better
you plan, the less you'll spend," says Gerri Detweiler, consumer advocate, author
and founder of UltimateCredit.com.
2. Stay within your spending limits.
Determine the amount you will spend for each person on your list. Carry
your gift list with you so you can keep track of purchases. You can avoid unmanageable
bills by not exceeding these limits. When you have finished shopping, STOP. 3.
Beware of "buy now, pay later" offers. Sure, it sounds appealing, but if
you can't afford an item in December, will you really be able to in March? 4.
Think twice before you buy. Before purchasing a gift, ask yourself if the
gift will be appropriate for the recipient and within your price range. If not,
don't buy the gift, particularly if you will have to charge the purchase.
5. Don't overextend your credit. Make sure
you can pay off holiday expenditures within three months after the holidays, four
at the most.
6. Don't wait until the last minute.
"Last-minute shopping is more expensive," says Detweiler.
7.
E-mail is free. Consider sending electronic cards to save time and postage.
8. Mind the two-card limit. Use no more
than two credit cards during the holidays. The more cards you use, the harder
it is to keep track of your spending.
9.
Shred evidence. Thwart thieves who "dumpster dive" for credit and debit
card numbers by destroying carbon copies.
10.
Organize your receipts. Keep all holiday receipts, and store them in one
place.
11. Have
a grab-bag holiday. If you have a large family, consider drawing names.
"You'll find it much more fun to shop for one person," says financial adviser
and author Nancy Dunnan. "You'll not only spend less, but you will have more time
to give to that particular person's present."
12.
Check your checkbook. If you are shopping with a debit card, balance your
checking account frequently to avoid overdrafts. Also, a failure to notice unauthorized
transactions in a timely manner can result in a higher liability.
13. Surf safely. When shopping online, stick with merchants you trust.
14. Wait for the sales. Put off some gift giving
until after the holidays. You may agree in advance with family and friends to
exchange gifts after the holidays. This way you can take advantage of the after-holiday
sales and you can shop in a more leisurely manner. | 
