The Sewing Mom

The holiday shopping has begun! I heard that the best way to keep from overspending on the holiday gifts is by making a list of every single person you need to shop for, including teachers, bus drivers, etc., and then write down what you are spending on that person. You should have a total budget figure in mind and divide it up appropriately between all the people on your list. Then, we you go shopping, don’t deviate from the listed amounts. This can keep you from getting in over your head and having to get pay day loans to cover your holiday shopping spree.

So, after hearing all of that, do you make a list and check it twice? Do you stick to your budget or do you tend to overspend? I tend to have a list for the immediate family, but there always seems to be last minute additions to the list that don’t get included in my budget. Plus, I know I am definitely guilty of overspending every year on my daughter. I really need to reign myself in when it comes to her, I just can’t seem to do it.

So, I’ve started my shopping. I bought a few items online last week and a couple more today. I like shopping online especially when I find the no tax and free shipping deals. I hate how much tax can take out of my budget! I had even gone to the store this morning and purchased a gift, then came home and found the same item available online with no tax and no shipping so I’m returning the one I purchased this morning. Even if it’s only a few dollars in tax, it all adds up and in the end, it will save me money. In fact, I just ordered my niece a gift and by saving on tax and shipping, I felt good about spending a few dollars to have the present gift wrapped since I was shipping it directly to their home, not mine. Saving in one way, allows me to take advantage of other services.

I am going to avoid a payday loan by following my own advice: make a list and stick to it!

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