Watch it Big Guy, you're not going to break up my home. No how! No way! Ah Christmas. Time to put on the festive armor and open up those wallets and purses. And let's not forget those plastic delights known as credit cards. But this year, instead of ending up in debt to your egg nog, why not try the following tips for a deficit - free holiday. Besides, what have you got to lose? A headache, perhaps?
We've all heard stories of bankruptcy occurring, because someone got over anxious at Christmas, and decided to spend more than they intended. This year, your mission as a consumer/ shopper is twofold: Stay debt free and purchase gifts that will delight even the most cynical person on your list. Here's how you can accomplish that task.
The term, "break up your home'' seems appropriate, since many have been "coerced" by friends and relatives, especially children, into buying gifts they can't afford, often with disastrous results - a sack of bills and hopelessly in debt.
Since the first official Christmas celebration hundreds of years ago, millions of Americans have gone into debt, as the result of going overboard on Christmas shopping. And although the economy is gradually improving, you should make it a point to deter from overspending, especially when it comes to kids.
Typically, all parents want to give their children a great Christmas, as defined by today's youth as having the trendiest clothes andlatest technological gadgets. But what if you and your spouse were laid off this year and you're living on a shoe-string budget? Should you risk piling up more bills to satisfy your kids?
Certainly not.
For consumers whose income falls in the $15,000 - $30,000 range, they should keep spending to a minimum, unless of course you're one of those lucky people who can afford to splurge. If not, you should set a budget and don't waver from your plan.
Although figures vary, experts maintain the average family will spend nearly $800 this holiday season in comparison to last year's $681 figure. So, if your 8-year-old wants a Fisher- Price Power WheelsFord F150 that cost $300, you can either purchase this trendy item and spend the first three months of 2008 paying it off, or opt for a less expensive gift. Something to think about: Instead of purchasing a Play station for your 6-year old- who's convinced Christmas is all about him, why not buy fun and practical toys like an acoustic guitar or a Rock' em Sock' em Robots game.
Family: Make it clear to relatives from the onset, that you are in a financial bind and practicing financial conservatism. Therefore, you wont be able to give them elaborate gifts. If they are reasonable, they will understand and accept whatever you give them. After all, it's the thought behind the gifts that counts, not the price, right?
Alternatives: Don't have money to go shopping at the malls or department stores? Consignment shops and thrift stores to the rescue. Some of the more selected consignment shops offer a variety of nearly new and used toys, clothing and appliances. Now tell me, what woman wouldn't be happy wearing a Carolina Herrera original for less than 1/3 of the original price? Although more expensive than your local Goodwill or Salvation Army, some consignment shops carry clothing you find in such upscale department stores as Bloomingdales, Berdorff Goodman, Marshall Fields, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
To reiterate, what woman wouldn't be thrilled to receive a Mario Valentino suede jacket, Donna Karan alligator belt or Giorgio Armani pumps? If purchased separately the price would exceed $1,000. However at select consignment shops, you can get all of these items for under $100.00. Trust me, on this, when I say I speak from experience.
And for the men on your list; these stores carry suits, slacks and sweaters that are inexpensive, gorgeous and in excellent shape. Not to be forgotten are the youngsters on your list. For $30 you can purchase a cool but expensive wardrobe for your teenager, that they will really like, trust me.
CAUTION: Plasma televisions and a cell phone for every member of your household, should not be an option if you're living from paycheck to paycheck. And speaking of kids, for less than $20 you can provide your 6-year-old with a toy factory, complete with fun and interesting gadgets. Why spend hundreds of dollars on gifts and spend the following year paying for them when there are cheaper alternatives.
We are told that it's more blessed to give than to receive.
However, many would disagree. To receive is the harder task, demanding far greater resources of tact and diplomacy. Realistically, we've all received gifts that would have strained the patience of a saint. For example, the disappointment we display when opening gifts at weddings, birthdays and other occasions. Perhaps, we should spend less time worrying about what to give and more time learning how to give. It's enough to make Santa scream Bah Humbug.
» left by Avis Ward(8,784) Avis Ward (260 days 6 hours ago.)
Peggy, I wouldn't dare! Thanks for a great article with reasonal and prudent suggestions for everyone, no matter their ability or inability to "pay." A Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa to you! Respond to this comment
» left by Peggy Butler(2,887) Peggy Butler (259 days 20 hours ago.)
Ms. Ward:
Your response immediately brought a smile to your face. Yeah, how dare you let Santa break up your home. As I write this, I am doing all I can to keep from laughing.
Seriously, though, I hope that this Christmas everyone, regardless of their income bracket, won't go into debt, because they over shopped.
As for you, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and I wish you and your family peace, success and happiness in the upcoming year. Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier(4,541) April Lorier (260 days 3 hours ago.)
Peggy, I notice you did not mention "re-gifting"! I'm deathly allergic to most fragrances (except vanilla), so when friends give me anything with a fragrance, I put a post-it note on it stating who it was from, put it in my "gift box" for someone else's birthday or Christmas. Saves me a bundle and I don't end up with a red swollen face! Ha! Respond to this comment
» left by Peggy Butler(2,887) Peggy Butler (259 days 20 hours ago.)
Hi April:
Re-gifting is a great idea, dang, why didn't I think of that. And for those people who think that re-gifting means giving your neighbor a fruit cake that has exchanged hands 100 times, that is not quite what we had in mind.
However, in the event someone gives you a sweater that is too large, or you hate the color; instead of returning it to the store, you could give it to someone who likes the sweater, including the color.
Again, April I love the idea of re-gifting. And on that note, I will end this message with the immortal words of Tiny Tim in Charles Dickens' Scrooge, Merry Christmas Everyone. Respond to this comment
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Ah Christmas. Time to put on the festive armor and open up those wallets and purses. And let's not forget those plastic delights known as credit cards. But this year, instead of ending up in debt to your egg nog, why not try the following tips for a deficit - free holiday. Besides, what have you got to lose? A headache, perhaps?
