Is Your Checkbook Ready for Christmas

The minute the first Christmas tree shows up in the store display people start feeling the stress of the financial pinch of Christmas. As the lists get longer the money in the checkbook dwindles and spills over into overuse of credit cards.

People walk out of the Christmas holiday more financially stressed than they went in. With empty bank accounts and credit cards bulging with finance charges it’s a wonder you can find any joy in the season at all.

Stop the madness. Enjoy the season stress free with the proper plan.

Shorten the list. No teacher ever failed a student for not bringing them another coffee cup. Have your children make thank you cards instead. I am positive your teachers will find a well written card more rewarding. Think of other people who would prefer sentiment more to nick nacks and remove them from your list.

Start shopping now. Instead of getting slammed with the full Christmas financial crunch in one month spread it out over a few months.

Use your cash back options. If you are disciplined and pay your balances off every month there are some great cash back credit card offers out there. If you get 1 – 2% cash back on your purchases throughout the year think of the money you would have by Christmas time.

Also talk to your bank. If you aren’t disciplined enough to pay off your credit card bills every month cash back won’t do you much good. Some banks offer cash back on their debit cards as well.

Discount websites. The internet is the best place to price shop. Use comparison engines like Froogle.com to get the lowest prices for the items you want. Remember to shop earlier so items can be shipped by Christmas.

There are also cash back sites like SaveandEarnPlus.com that give you cash back on all your purchases. Use your cash back debit and credit cards to purchase from cash rebate sites and double your savings.

Coupons. An oldie but a goody. You can’t go wrong with clipping coupons. Save the coupons, wait for the item to go on sale and make a killing on savings.

Attack the Christmas buying season with a good financial plan. The holiday will go smoother for you and your checkbook. You will find using these savings ideas that the holiday will become more enjoyable for you and your family.

Charity Adams is a mother of 3 young children. She also owns Saveandearnplus.com a web site that gives up to 80% cash back on consumer purchases.