|
Each
year, the holiday shopping season seems to get under way
earlier. First
Thanksgiving
, then
Halloween
. This year, consider backing it up to
Labor Day
.
Planning
gift-giving and other holiday spending this early gives
you time to:
Save
cash:
Start
saving now to pay cash for the holidays. Besides gifts,
spending categories include gift wrap, decorations,
food, greeting cards and travel.
Keep
total holiday spending to 1.5 percent of your gross
income, less if you're deep in debt. That's about
$1,000
for the average American household. Divide your spending
estimate by the four months left, and set aside that
amount each month.
Find
gifts: Every holiday season has its hot item, whether
Tickle Me Elmo doll or Nintendo Wii. Shopping now means
you won't have to pay a desperation premium for an item
in short supply in December. And retailers generally are
maintaining smaller inventories, making it less likely
the item you want will be on the shelf when you need it.
Change
traditions: If you usually buy for everyone in your
extended family, this might be a good year to revise the
rules. Perhaps you buy for children only or draw names
for gift-giving. Suggesting this change early gives
everyone time to adjust shopping plans.
Buy stuff
on sale: Smart shoppers know they should zig when others
zag. Stretching the holiday season gives you more time
to capitalize on sale prices and out-of-season
merchandise.
Compare
prices: Prices vary widely on the same item. But who has
the time to comparison shop in the holiday bustle? You
have that time now.
Save on
shipping: Some of the best prices are online. Internet
or catalog shopping saves on gas and perhaps on state
sales tax. But if you wait until the last minute, you'll
have to pay for rush shipping. Starting now gives you
time for packages to arrive via the cheapest shipping
method.
Try new
tactics: Learn about shopping online through rebate
portals to get cash back, CompareRewards.com, for one.
And record purchases at PriceProtectr.com, which will
e-mail you if the item's price drops in the retailer's
price-protection period. Then, you can claim a refund.
Always do a quick Internet search for coupon codes used
at online checkout. You're likely to get a discount or
free shipping.
Avoid
layaway fees: Layaway rarely makes sense. You could save
the money yourself and buy the item when you have
enough. Starting now allows time to do so.
Sears
/
Kmart
/Lands' End shoppers can save money with a
Christmas Club
savings card. It pays a 3 percent bonus up to
$100
, though you'd have to stash
$3,333
on the card to get the full C-note. Details in store and
at retailer Web sites.
Get
creative: Cliched but true, some of the most meaningful
gifts are those you make yourself.
Start
work now.
|
