Last-Minute Shopping on a Budget

Work overtime

If you really want to wake up in early January with absolutely no credit card debt from holiday spending then the best thing you can do is boost your income temporarily. The best way to do that is by working overtime. Other people take vacation days this time of year, so, maybe you can offer to pick up the slack. If your employer doesn’t offer overtime then consider a part-time job. Even in this recession, the retail stores at the mall are hiring. And if you walk into a store tonight, chances are they’ll let you work a shift tomorrow.

Don’t let pride hold you back. It’s understandable if you don’t want your clients, friends or family members coming in to do their holiday shopping and finding you behind the counter working the register. Thus, find something where you won’t be seen. Those big box stores need extra help during the overnight hours stocking shelves. UPS hires people to work in its distribution facilities. Yeah, it’s hard and no fun giving up some of your free time. But you’ll feel a lot better about yourself next year when you’re not trying to pay off a maxed out credit card.

Seek out last-minute discounts

So you missed Black Friday. That doesn’t mean you have to (or should) pay full price for everything. Find out when the items you need are going on sale. How? Try asking a clerk in the store. They usually know.

Keep your eye on the circulars. If stores are having a particularly bad year, they’ll start to discount items more heavily as we get closer to Christmas.

Finally, there’s an old saying: “Everything’s negotiable.” If you’re buying more than one piece of jewelry, ask the manager for a discount. If an item similar to the one you want to purchase is on sale, ask if they’ll give you the same sale price. It feels awkward at first, but the worst that can happen is that you hear the word “no.” And the upside is getting more bang for your buck this Christmas.

Time your shopping excursions

Nothing will frustrate you more than going to the malls at the busiest days of the week during the busiest hours of the day. You’ll spend more time finding parking; you’ll spend more time trying to find a sales clerk to help you; and you’ll spend more time standing in line to check out.

Thus, be smart about when you go to the mall. Take your lunch break during irregular hours like in the middle of the morning or late afternoon. If you have to go to the mall on the weekends, get up early and get there right when the doors open. Time is of the essence. And the more you get delayed, the more you’ll get frustrated and the chances will be greater that you won’t get it all finished in time.
you can do it

People go crazy — financially and mentally — trying to find the perfect gift for the people on their list. Can’t we all agree that it’s a pretty good thing to give a good gift at a reasonable price? So, let that be your goal this year. Everyone needs to keep in mind that just because Jesus was born in poverty, doesn’t mean we all have to end up there after celebrating his birthday.

For more tips on how to budget for this holiday season and beyond, go to http://www.askmen.com/money/