Hark the Herald Registers Sing

November's arrived, and in case your retailer hasn't reminded you yet - yeah, right! - Christmas will be here before you know it. The holidays challenge families, so planning is critical.  So here are some ideas to keep us from overspending.

 
 
SET A BUDGET:  Compile a list of people you'll be buying gifts for, and how much you're going to spend.  Stick to your budget, buying only what you can afford.  If you do use credit, remember that any sales prices will probably be offset by finance charges.  Instead of pulling out plastic, use cash religiously.
 
 
USE COUPONS AND REBATES AND SHOP SALES.  Comparison shop by sifting through ad flyers and calling different stores.  As the old jingle goes, let your fingers do the walking to save gas and time.  Found what you want?  Get all the details:  price, model number, etc.  Then call your favorite store close to home and see if they'll price-match the other retailer.
 
 
WATCH YOUR TOTALS.  If you shop online, don't forget to add in shipping costs.  Writing checks or using check cards?  Keep all receipts in one place in your purse or wallet, and immediately update your check register so you don't lose track of what you've spent.  Another reason to keep receipts: 30-day price guarantees.  If an item goes on sale before Christmas, ask for a refund.
 
 
SHOPPING FOR CHILDREN. Younger children usually appreciate several small gifts more than one big one.  They also count to see how many packages their siblings are getting, so no matter how much money you have, balance the number of gifts as well as the amount spent on each child.
 
 
BUYING FOR YOUR SPOUSE.  I've been married for 18 years.  The first 10 years, I hoped my husband would get me something romantic.  Instead, I consistently received "man gifts" - steak knives, hand vacs, my own fishing pole.  Years 11-15, I dropped heavy hints:  "I love things that make me feel pretty;" "Ooh, look at that scarf!"; "This perfume smells wonderful."  Still ended up with fireplace tools and car accessories.
 
 
The past three years, I've asked for EXACTLY what I want, providing brand name, size, color - everything but written directions to the store. Christmas morning may not be a surprise, but I sure love my gifts, and my hubby is happy that I'm happy.  Plus, he hasn't wasted a lot of money.
 
 
If you're not sure what to get your mate, hand them a catalog and have them circle the types of things they like.  Now you have some guidelines to go by.
 
 
MAKE AND BAKE.  No matter how your wallet flexes, consider giving handmade gifts or treats to extended family and friends.  That personal touch is very appealing. 
 
 
 
PLAN FOR NEXT CHRISTMAS.  Put away some money each month, depositing it into a holiday account at your bank or credit union.  That'll take the pressure off for Christmas 2001, and earn you some interest, too.
 
 
CHEAT SCROOGE.  Finish shopping and wrap presents before Thanksgiving, so you can enjoy the holidays.  If parties are normally at your house, give yourself a year off; let someone else host.
 
 
By watching out for financial and time traps, you'll sail through the holidays with both your emotional and bank accounts intact.
 
 
(Comments?  Email Cheryl@homebodies.org, or visit her website at
www.homebodies.org.  Her book, "So You Want to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom", makes a great gift and is available at  http://www.amazon.com   Copyright 2000 Cheryl Gochnauer.)