It is that time of year again and the pressure of buying is on. If you are like me and live on a tight budget as it is, or perhaps you are finding yourself still paying off last years holiday debts, don’t let holiday shopping put you in the hole. It may be time for you to be checking that list more than twice. Put yourself on a budget!

Now that I am getting older, it becomes easier to make my shopping list shorter. My friends and I usually talk ahead of time and agree that we are not doing gifts; instead, we take that money we would’ve spent and go out to a nice dinner or pamper ourselves with a massage or pedicure. The holiday time is not about who can buy you what; it is about spending time together!

For everyone else, here are some shopping tips to consider:

1. Make that list and check it twice: Do not feel the pressure to buy everybody a gift. I really don’t think the mailman will get offended if you cut him off your list this year. Shorten your list by those who mean the most to you, i.e. family, significant others, and close friends. After you have your list you can set a budget (and the key is to stick to it!)

2. Odds and ends: For everyone else that you do want to send some holiday cheer to and can’t fit into your holiday gift budget, keep it simple; put together a tin of sweets or maybe just send a Christmas card.

3. Try to use cash and debit only: Only pull out the amount of cash you actually plan on spending on gifts. Try not to charge, you end up paying back a lot more in the long run.

4. Make as many homemade gifts as possible: Make a scrapbook, decorate a picture frame, get creative and leave more money in your pocket. Homemade gifts are cheaper and mean more to the recipient; it shows you actually put thought into the gift.

5. Surf the Web: Sometimes the best deals are online. There are plenty of Web sites that have whole sale items or out of stock items that are 50-60 % off the original price. Check out deals on www.overstock.com, you can find anything from shoes to sofas all at a discounted price. The best part is that you can get all of your holiday shopping done from the convenience of your own home.

6.  Re-gift to your advantage: I know it may sound a bit cheap, but why not bring that singing fish clock your Grandpa bought you for a gift exchange? Most of the time gift exchanges are all about gag gifts anyway, you could save $15-20. That is extra money in your pocket.

Sticking to a budget during the holidays can be painless if you don’t impulse buy, and actually plan and organize before hitting the stores.

To all of you budgeters out there, happy shopping!

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