How to Stay Within a Budget This Christmas

The holidays seem to grow more expensive each year. Holiday decorations
become increasingly elaborate and plentiful, and your naughtyor-
nice list has expanded exponentially. What's a Santa to do? Make
a list, check it twice--and read on.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Kick off your Christmas budget plan in January. Not only will you be able to take advantage of post-holiday sales, but you'll have all year to make your spending plan work. See 228 Design a Savings Plan and 226 Set Up a Budget.

2. Squirrel money away month by month. Open a Christmas Club account or have your bank or credit union regularly transfer a designated amount (such as $25 or $50) into a dedicated savings account. Setting up an auto-transfer after each paycheck makes it easy. See 227 Get Out of Debt.

3. Do your Christmas shopping year-round. Take a master shopping list with you wherever you go. Include the recipient's name, a gift idea and a price range. See 357 Organize Gift-Giving in Advance.

4. Do your homework online. Even if you don't actually buy the gift on the Internet, you can comparison-shop while sniffing out the best deals. Then visit the store with the best price.

5. Seek out online deals. Sometimes major stores offer discounts on online purchases. Check out Web sites regularly, as prices and offers change often during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care of friends and relatives with a single holiday gift project. Instead of popping $10 to $20 on a number of small presents, make a gift from your kitchen. See 354 Organize a Holiday Craft Party and 356 Plan the Perfect Holiday Gift Exchange.

• Many people don't need (or want) more stuff. Instead, give them the gift of your time--to take them out to dinner, run errands or fix little things around their home.