Holiday Savings - Ways to Save Money in the Spending Season

Are you dreading what is supposed to be the merriest time of the year? The holiday season used to be loved by all. In recent years, more and more of us are turning into regular Scrooges because of the pressure to buy our 10 year old the latest PlayStation for a low price of $799.99. Don't forget about that new designer purse for your 16 year old daughter, it's only $300.00. You keep telling yourself that the joy on their faces is all worth it, until you think about the fact that you may need help with debt and could be paying off that high rate credit card until next year…when the kids want the latest and greatest gifts all over again.

For many of us, the holiday season has become a frightful time of year due to overspending, maxing out credit cads, and last minute shopping. Here's the good news, there are ways to save money, there is still hope. Experts at our credit counseling service say preparation is going to be one of your best tools this year. Creating your holiday spending plan now, setting (and sticking to) a realistic budget that your family can afford, and hitting the aisles early will all help to keep your holiday happy and cheerful without the apprehension of the bills of Christmas yet to come.

Looking into your options is always a great place to start. Instead of paying for the holidays after the fact and possibly needing help with debt, make it a goal to have the money before the holidays roll around. Many employers offer a Christmas Club account that allows you to contribute a set dollar amount each pay check to a special bank account before the holiday season. These accounts are just one of several great ways to save money for the holidays. If your employer does not have a program like this, try setting up your own savings account through your bank. Many banks offer automatic transfer of funds from one account to another. You might be surprised how fast $20.00 a pay period adds up. Remember, always pay yourself first. Don't wait until the end of the month or pay period to put the savings away, do it right away. If you never had the money, you never even miss it.

Credit counseling services recommend you keep the following tips in mind before you start your shopping:

Make a list of everyone you would like to purchase gifts for and which gift to purchase for them.
Once you have a completed list, make it your goal to find the lowest price for each item. Search online for coupons. There are many websites that provide store coupons as well as manufacturer coupons and rebates. Some may be redeemed online while others may be printed out and brought to an actual store. Check out Cool Savings and Coupon Code.
Comparison shopping is one of the easiest ways to save money. This is made even easier if you have internet access. You may even find that many department stores offer special prices and free or reduced shipping costs if you make your purchase online. Don't forget to do an online search for coupon codes for that particular store! Remember, saving money now will help prevent needing help with debt later.
Have a preset spending limit, either one lump sum or a certain amount for each person on your list. Some people may find that carrying cash is a better idea than bringing your credit cards because when the cash is gone, it's gone. It's too easy to just think "Oh, I'll pay it later" when you have that plastic on hand.
Consider exchanging gifts after Christmas day. Most people can find gifts for 50-75% off simply by shopping a week or so after Christmas. You can get a lot more bang for your buck while still spending less!

Avoid going to the stores until you have made a final list that includes everyone. This will help you avoid those impulse buys. It may seem harmless but if you have 20 people on your list and you go over by only $10.00 each that's an extra $200.00 you hadn't planned on. These small decisions will add up over time and if the wrong decision is made, you may be seeking a credit counselor for a debt management service. Stick to your guns, it will pay off in the end.

Another trick is purchasing gifts throughout the year so the cost is spread out. Most likely you will pay less if you watch for the sales. Also, making a gift or preparing a special heartfelt item can often mean so much more than that a pricey gift such as PlayStation. The gifts that have love and thought poured into them are, more times than not, kept throughout the years as treasures. Many gifts can be made, such as a scrapbook of a special memory, and it is something the receiver can look at and remember the love you have for them. Thoughtful gifts like a hand carved name plate for a set of newlyweds to hang by their door have so much meaning behind them and can often be found at very reasonable prices. Magazines, such as Martha Stewart Living, have great craft ideas for everyone. Just taking the time to think about a creative gift is one of the ways to save money and not need help with debt in the long run.

The counselors at a credit counseling service suggest consumers remember what the holidays are truly about. It is a time to reconnect with family and focus on what is truly important. With a little bit of planning and self-control, it is possible to avoid the need of a debt management service to pay off the expenses associated with the holidays along with the stress that comes with carrying a high debt load. Instead of concentrating on expensive gifts, take the time to bake cookies with young ones, decorate the tree with the family, and spend time with friends.