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Why Smart Shopping Strategies Can Ruin Your Holiday Budget

It is usually the early bird that gets the worm, but when it comes to holiday shopping, the early bird may also get the bigger bills. People who shop the sales may also spend more than those who plan on buying items at full price. It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But according to the American Research Group studying holiday spending, the average family who shopped early spent 14 percent more on gifts on average, and those who shopped the sales spent a whopping 53 percent more on average. what about online Yikes. Want another strange statistic? Those of us who … Continue reading →

Even More After Christmas Sales – 2011

The after Christmas sales are still going on! This is the best time to pick up some deeply discounted Christmas decorations, or to purchase some of the things you wanted for Christmas, (but didn’t get). If you have already shopped your way through the list of sales from yesterday and the list from the day before then it is time to check out today’s list of after Christmas sales. Hot Topic is having a “Hot Mess Clearance Event”. You can save up to 75% off the original price of all items included in this sale. Apparel is going for either … Continue reading →

Christmas Shopping for Your Favorite Shutterbug

If you’ve waited until the last-minute to shop for your favorite shutterbug’s Christmas gift, then you are in luck. Fortunately, there are a myriad of great options for photographers of all skill levels that are easily accessible and won’t drain your wallet. If you are working on a really tight budget, then consider giving the gift of camera cleaning supplies. Photographers–both amateur and professional–need to take care of their equipment. I can’t think of an avid shutterbug out there, who wouldn’t appreciate camera cleaning and maintenance gear, such as microfiber cleaning cloths, lens brushes, blower bulbs, and cans of compressed … Continue reading →

Kids and Christmas Thank Yous

My mother had a strict rule about opening gifts on Christmas morning: No random ripping allowed. Instead, each child opened one gift at a time while the rest of the siblings looked on, and my mom dutifully jotted down the name of the gift giver and the contents of the box. Then, as soon as the last present was unwrapped, my mother would distribute the lists and my brothers and I were given three days to complete handwritten thank-you notes to our generous benefactors. That was more than 20 years ago. Apparently, times have changed. At least in most families. … Continue reading →

Christmas Shopping for the Other Woman in Your Child’s Life

What do you get for the person your child spends more waking time with on a daily basis than anyone else on the planet? I’m not referring to your spouse, parent or iCarly. Rather, if your son or daughter is old enough to hit the books, then you are probably racking your brain right now to figure out what to get his teacher for Christmas. I know because I’m struggling too. Finding a material good that expresses your appreciation for the woman (or man), who spends upwards of eight hours a day with your kid, five days a week, can … Continue reading →

Postponing Maternity Clothes Shopping

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I am not the biggest fan of shopping. Sometimes I like to go shopping just to look and maybe try something on to see if it fits (although I am usually disappointed by how clothes don’t fit the way I would like). I like these “window shopping” trips to be fast, less than an hour, certainly no more than two hours. A few times a year I do go shopping with the intent to buy but only if I am in need of particular articles of clothing (jeans, shoes, tops, etc.). These shopping trips with the intent to buy usually … Continue reading →

Last Minute Christmas Deals

Are you a last minute Christmas shopper? One of the things I learned from my experiences working at a retail store on Christmas Eve is that there are always going to be some people who wait until the very last second to begin shopping for presents for their family. There will also be a group of people who need just one or two final items, to complete their shopping. If either of those descriptions sounds like you, then you should check out this quick list of last minute Christmas deals, from stores that will be open on Christmas this year. … Continue reading →

Christmas in Summer

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve here in Australia. That means the last day for shopping and getting all those last minute food items. Not the ham though, I got that today. It also means I will be busy cooking pork and chicken and making babaganoush. Given a summer climate we don’t go into for roasts dinners on Christmas Day. Years ago we decided to go for what its better suited to the climate and have cold cooked meats and an array of salads. Tabouli is always one of our family’s favorites. But some of the other salads vary. As well as … Continue reading →

Christmas Shopping for a Tripod

Yesterday I spent way too much time shopping online for a new tripod. Not for me; rather, one of our family’s dearest friends, who happens to be new to the world of hobby photography, mentioned that he was looking to purchase a tripod. Since I am a huge advocate of camera tripods, I convinced a bunch of other friends to help chip in to purchase our hard-working-always-there-when-you-need-him-but-never-requests-or-accepts-payment-for-help-provided pal an invaluable photo tool for Christmas. There’s no arguing that a tripod is a worthwhile investment that will last for decades provided you care for it properly. However, well-made tripods don’t come … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Holiday Decorations

If you are on a fixed income, but you still want your home to look festive during the holiday season, then consider making your own Christmas decorations. Doing so will help you save money, avoid chaotic shopping malls, and allow you to exercise your creative side. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a craft queen to piece together stunning seasonal decorations. There a thousands of simple projects that can be made with just a few materials and little if any skill. For example, last year my five-year-old helped me make a sensational centerpiece for our dining room table. All we … Continue reading →