If you are like most people, you severely UNDER-estimate what the holiday gift list is going to cost. Here are some time-tested tips to help you not overspend on gift giving.
The biggest mistake you can make is to start out on your holiday shopping trips with NO GIFT PLAN and NO SPENDING PLAN. That usually causes spending to double and you end up a Grouchy Grinch after the holiday when you have to pay the bills or you are short on money.
1 Decide what your total spending budget is for gifts. Hopefully you have stashed some money away for this ahead of time and dont have to use credit cards you cant pay off immediately. Add some to the budget to cover gift wrap, sales tax and shipping to out of town recipients.
2 Make a list of everyone you have to buy gifts for. In large families, draw names so you dont have to buy everyone a gift, that way your budget goes further and you can get nicer gifts for fewer people. Dont forget the kids teachers, your beautician and the mailman if you usually get them something.
3 Next to each persons name write down the amount you want to spend. Add these up and make adjustments so you dont OVER-spend on your...