Don't Let Christmas Break Your Wallet:

It's difficult to believe that it is that time of the year when people are breaking into piggy bank savings and charging up their cards: "Virginia, there is NO Christmas Fairy who will pay your rent when your card cards become due January of 2007." Here are some tips for not going overboard this year:

1. Draw names and exchange gifts with extended family and friends - they may be in the same boat as you, wanting to save money.
2. Make a list and then KEEP TO IT. Set limits and abide; organized buyers spend less.
3. Instead of buying some people gifts, make a contribution to a charity and send people notes early on in December explaining who you contributed to, and why. It's a tax deduction, and maybe they will even follow suit!
4. Set aside special time with your family and friends to make cookies, go for walks in the winter air, and generally spend more time with them. Everyone will feel less stress and you will enjoy discovering new things together. Make the holiday about giving from the heart and of your time, rather than from the pocketbook. Keep your gifts simple, or reduce the number of little things and get that person one special gift they will cherish longer.
5. Throw a potluck party for friends - encourage them to bring a gift for a needy child and meet them at the front door with a steaming mug of spiced cider. Put your collection basket up front, right by the tree, and enjoy watching their faces as they marvel at the gifts. Make up song sheets and then go caroling after dinner.
6. Ask people to donate unused gift cards; donate them to a charity, or go and buy gifts and make the donations yourself in their honor. Drop them a note telling them what you did with the money, or have them go with you!
7. Get your friends together, meet at a McDonalds near a park or shelter, and buy homeless people breakfast - it's cheap and you spread the cheer! Donate your time, make some cookies, and clean out your closets (job interview clothing) for a shelter in your area.
8. Compare gift prices online; some sites may have free shipping!
9. Go onto the Internet and find more useful tips; share them with your friends and family.
10. Make sure people know you are in the holiday spirit but are choosing to spend your money wisely this season.

Make a plan for enjoying this holiday season while not going for broke. Amaze yourself for sticking to it, smile everyday, and reward yourself with a cup of hot chocolate when you "do good". Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah....