Shop Within Your Budget

I know some may have completed their Christmas shopping, but if you are like me... and you still have a lot to do with little left in the pocketbook, check out this article by Melissa George. She provides helpful and practical tips for staying within your budget. If you have completed your shopping, just tuck this article away for next year or try to apply these same 10 tips toward birthday gifts next year. ~Melvina

Season’s Greetings on a Shoestring Budget?

by Melissa L. George

...Just in time for the holiday shopping kick-off!

The economy continues to struggle, you do the best you can to hold on to your job, your home and your sanity when here comes the biggest spending season of the year. The last thing you need to feel obligated in any way to join the spending frenzy, but if you start now and plan realistically, you can participate in the joy of giving without the sorrow of a light wallet. Here are 10 Tips Stretch your holiday spending dollars:

1. What’s your ceiling: Establish your maximum budget for all shopping and be realistic. If you haven’t saved all year, don’t start flossing now. You know what you need to keep the lights on and what’s left over for discretionary spending.  Click here for more tips on shopping with a budget.

Visit Melissa George's website at Melissa L George and Associates for more important financial tips.