In today's economy, people tend to have a strict budget with very little money to throw around. Every parent wants their kid to be surprised and ecstatic when they wake up Christmas morning to find that shiny red sports bike under the tree. Guys can't wait to see the thrilled look on their girlfriend's face when they hand them a nicely wrapped diamond necklace straight from Kay's Jewelers. Planning out how to get those sweet deals around the holidays can be both a blessing and a curse. Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday perusing is one of the many ways to get that special someone the gift at the top of their wish list without spending a bundle. However, you could get those same deals throughout the whole month of December; as long as you can tell the difference between the good deals from the great deals.
Having a tight budget doesn't make you poor, it just makes you normal. There are very few families out there who are financially set for life and you shouldn't feel ashamed about bringing in a coupon or a gift certificate. If you've ever seen Extreme Couponing, you would know what I'm talking about. They're not afraid to bring in a whole binder full of coupons, which explains why they're on the show Extreme Couponing. That's how businesses make money. On the contrary, you should feel proud when you hand the nice lady at the register the coupon you cut out of the paper. It shows the judgmental people around you that you're a smart shopper and know how to save a few bucks. Plus, you can do a lot with those few dollars you saved. Such as giving the extra money to a homeless shelter or someone in need. That way they can buy presents for their kids on Christmas day, just like you were trying to do.
Before you go out shopping there are a few essentials you need to have. You need to have a list of things you need to buy; such as a list of presents for each of your friends and family. If you go out without a list in mind, you will end up buying more than you really need. Next, you need to have a clear budget in mind. Know how much you're willing to spend on each person. You don't want to spend twenty dollars on one friend and only ten on another. You should also have a set of stores in mind. No matter how much fun window shopping is, you don't want to buy something you think you really need when you don't all because you're in the shopping mood and have the money on hand.
The most important thing you need to have before you go anywhere to shop, is some form of payment. Search through the ads in the paper for cut out coupons or any great deals you want to get in on. When you buy an item at a department store, they might staple a coupon to your receipt, in hopes that you return to their store soon. You never know what you'll find when you go through old receipts, so make sure to check there as well. Stores usually have websites where you can print off their coupons or have special deals going on online and in-stores. Many people don't know great deals are just a few clicks away.
Christmas shopping can get pretty intense. All the deals and saving money can put a lot of strain on relationships, along with yourself. Don't let holiday shopping stress you out. No matter what you get your loved ones, they know that you love them. Christmas isn't about the presents, gifts, and money. It's about spending time with the people you love and as long as you try, they will love whatever you get them.
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