Tips for Saving at Christmas

1. Use your holiday budget. If you have saved all year long, you should have money available for gifts without using credit.

2. Make a gift list with names and spending limits. If you come from a large family, suggest drawing names or buying one gift per family.

3. Shop in advance, taking advantage of sales that occur year round.

4. Shop online. It is smart to do price comparisons online before heading to the mall. Also considering your time, the crowds at the mall, and incentives such as free shipping, you can do a lot of your shopping from home. If you have gifts that will need to be sent out of town, most online stores provide direct shipping to the recipient.

5. Your budget should have monthly allotments for Christmas shopping. Then when you actually purchase the gifts, you have the money.

6. Give homemade gifts. People love homemade cookies, breads, and jellies! Be creative and package them in dollar store baskets. Involve your children and create crafts and other gifts.