October 30, 2009, Newsletter Issue #208: Holiday Cash Crunch

Tip of the Week

The holiday season can sneak up on you before you realize what time it is. And buying presents for family and friends all at once can be daunting. Not only does it make for a hectic couple of weeks, but it can feel like a big financial blow all at once.

So how can you avoid this holiday sucker punch to the wallet? Try starting your holiday shopping in August or September. Instead of putting it all off until the last minute, space the purchases out over multiple pay checks so it does not seem overwhelming. If you see great online deals in September, pick up a few gifts and hold onto them until the holidays roll around.

If you buy one gift a week, the financial burden seems much lighter. You also do not have to scramble at the last minute to get everything you need when thousands of other people are doing the same. By the time that season of gift-giving is here, you will have most of your shopping done already and little left that you need to spend.

Since this time of year can be very hectic, anything you can do to make it easier is a plus. There are online discounts, key codes and store sales at all different times of year, so there is no reason why you cannot take advantage of them a little early.

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