Hey everyone! I am hoping you will take a few minutes out of your busy day to read this post. I appreciate it! If you have been around, you know the deal, this is my FIFTH year posting this!
So tis’ the season. Tis’ the season for everything wonderful – family, blessings from above, baked goods, beautiful decorations, giving presents, blessing others and eating fabulous food til our pants physically hurt (wait, maybe that is just me?).
While it is a wonderful season, it is also the season of overspending, overbuying and debt. Over the next 6-8 weeks you will see many deals for the holidays on FTM. These deals are different than the freebies and grocery deals you normally see. I struggle with this, because my mission is to bring you good deals so you spend less money.
However, the reality is, most of us are going to buying this holiday season — and buying alot. So, for the next two months, I will be posting deals on toys, electronics and more. I don’t want these postings to lead to overspending, overbuying or debt. My goal is to help you.
I wish I could say don’t jump on a deal when you see it. It is just the opposite, if you see a deal that is on your list – you must jump on it, because they don’t last long.
To help you thru the season, I hope you will find some of these tips useful:
1. Make a list of who you want to buy for. You can print a template for the list here.
2. If you are buying high dollar items, research how much they cost and what a good deal is. Don’t take anyone elses word on it. Know the prices.Use your discretion and know your pricing. Just because a price says regular price $1,000, doesn’t mean that is the real retail price. (Amazon is famous for this). If something doesn’t seem worth the “regular retail” price, then check it out.
3. Keep close track of what you are spending, use a budget worksheet like the one here.
4. Don’t keep buying for people who you have already purchased for. If you mark them as done on your list on November 23, then they are done – don’t let deals sway you.
5. Not every deal is a deal for you.
6. Create a budget. Stick to the budget. When you are done, you are done – even if I post the best deal of the century.
7. Be prudent. Just because it is Christmas doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your super shopping skills.
With that being said, I hope you enjoy this season with your loved ones. I hope we find some AMAZING deals and you come in under budget!
So, what tips can you give us to help keep our holiday budgets in check? You can follow our fabulous finds right here and on Facebook here.
Casey says
One of the biggest things I can say is stick to your budget. Once you have bought something for someone you don’t need to feel like you have to buy them something in addition to what you already got them.
KyleneW says
Good things to remember. Focus on the reason for the season and the loved ones we share it with.
Teressa says
I would say if you post the deal of the century and you are done return what you had and get the deal of the century. LOL!!!!
Shannon says
Ok Teressa! Good Point. LOL
debbie says
Great reminders. Thanks!