Well, it is definitely that time of year again, the time of year when we are all being forced to think about the holiday shopping season even before Halloween has come and gone. Its still warm outside and the store displays are now featuring Santa Claus and the newest glittering Christmas ornaments for your Christmas tree. So, I suppose then it would be wise of us to begin thinking about how to approach our shopping techniques for the new holiday season. We simply must make a commitment to not making the same mistakes we made last year standing in the long lines, fighting the crowds, spending more than we budgeted, waiting until the absolute last minute or being the first in line on “Black Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving which traditionally marks the start of the holiday shopping season) and ultimately getting trampled over as we fight to get that discounted digital camera or flat screen tv.

Instead, we are going to take the “Smarter Shopper Holiday Pledge” (for printing and sharing).

“Smarter Shopper Holiday Pledge”

I, insert your name here, pledge to adhere to the ten holiday shopping tips outlined below. I realize that by not doing so, I may suffer the consequences of holiday shoppers remorse which include but are not limited to: loss of cash reserves, higher credit card debt, and near insanity from overexposure to large crowds, outrageous lines, and low product inventory.

1. I will use cash. Using cash makes it easier to stay within the budget. I dont even mean using your debit card because youre able to justify going over just a bit on a particular gift if theres money available in your checking account. I say set limits, use cash, and when the cash is gone, theres no more gift buying. Now, this is going to take some self-control and I struggle with it myself at the holiday season, but if youve got $100 for gifts, then dont push the budget and spend $101. No matter how wrapped up you get into the Christmas lights, music, and other smiling holiday shoppers carrying their large shopping bags, stay within your budgetcash will help you do that!

2. I will keep track of my credit card spending. Ok, if you absolutely must use a credit card, use the one with the lowest interest and know how you are going to pay off the credit card balance. Carrying balances obviously costs more than the item itself. So, that bargain that we got at the holidays is no longer a bargain 90 120 days later. Have a plan to pay off the holiday purchases. Additionally and just as important, know how much you are spending on those credit cards. You still need to set limits.

3. I will be patient. Theres nothing like waiting in a long check out line and have to endure price check after price check or a declined credit card holder arguing with the cashier, or even a shift change just as you approach the register. However, we all know these things happen. Calm down and be patient. Should you need a small book or magazine to bring along with you, do so. If leaving the kids at home is an option because theyll add additional stress to your trip, do so. Maybe just taking a deep breath will help. Just calm down and be patient.