Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house,
Every creature was hurtin' . . . even the mouse.
The toys were all broken; their batteries dead,
And Santa was passed out, with ice on his head.
And momma was sad with no holiday cheer,
Because of holiday bills she'd pay all of next year.
If you're tired of debt and substandard living,
Then pray for direction on all of your giving.
Get a Coach, a budget and a made up mind,
That you will NOT fail in your spending this time!
Does this sound familiar? Of course it does. Santa Claus is coming to town and all too often, he leaves with all of our money in his pockets. Well, not on my watch. Read on for a few holiday shopping tips to help you avoid spending beyond your means and to help you ensure that you start 2012 off on the right foot financially:
Holiday Shopping Tip #1: Make a short list of gift recipients and don't add anyone else to the list, no matter how guilty you feel. Instead, add all of your "extras who won't get a gift this year" to the recipient list of kind thoughts and deeds. Write a meaningful poem. Help someone become financially free by sharing this email and encouraging him/her to get a RushCard and change his/her financial situation in 2012. These are just a few examples of gifts that keep on giving.
Holiday Shopping Tip #2: Avoid long lines and impulses by shopping online. Your shopping cart will make you aware, at all times, of what you are spending and you will be less likely to fall for the "aisle" deals presented by hungry sales associates. Allocate only what you are going to spend on your RushCard (or cash for all 10/10/30/50 shoppers) and do not go over that amount for any reason. It will be difficult now, but you will feel good about staying within your budget later.
