The holiday shopping season is almost over. Sales are down a bit this year, and with good reason. Most people have less money to spend, and less confidence on receiving a boost in their income anytime soon. Consumers however, are still heading to the mall to catch all the bargains that retailers have to offer. The reason of course is to find those perfect gifts, along with the satisfaction of finding a great deal.
Retailers are hoping the last weekend of Christmas shopping will bring in increase of sales, as shoppers wait until the last moment, hoping for a reduction of prices. As for the consumers, too many people feel a pressure to purchase gifts for family, friends, and co-workers. They do not want to be caught receiving a gift, and not giving one. Often, people are almost forced into buying gifts for office party Secret Santas, or the Round Robin gift giving parties are very popular these days. These are the attitudes retailers love, but our wallets hate. Although the gifts given at these types of events are not usually extravagant, for many, they can push us over our overall budget.
But can you really afford all of these extra gifts. For too many people, the...