Trim the tree before you trim the list.

Oh my goodness gracious, it's already December!!!!  Holiday shopping can very excited and expensive. Here are some tips on how to enjoy this holiday season without going broke.

Tip #1. Decide How It Should Be Done

• Let your friends and family know how you want to handle holiday gift this year. (White elephant, Secret's Santa, exchange name, children only, ...)
• Split the gifts with a group of friends.

• Focus on 1 big gift rather than a bunch of little gifts. 

Tip #2. Don't Put Christmas On Your Credit Cards 

• Make a list and check it twice.

• Don't buy just because you feel guilty ( happens to me every time )

• Give yourself a budget and actually stick to it. 

• Pay with cash. You might say that you will pay off the credit card after the holiday. But the next thing you know, you're carrying the balance + interest + fees until Easter. 

Tip #3. Don't Be Afraid To Use Coupons 

• Sign up emails at your local stores so you don't miss out on those special sales and events they might have for the holiday.

• Do a little homework the night before you hit the mall. Trust me, your extra 10 min hard work will pay off at the end. Here are three of my favorite saving sites:
• dealigg.com 
• dealspl.us 
• printable-coupons.blogspot.com

• And if that's not enough saving for you guys, i have more :) Stores like VS, Express, Bath and Body Works have a feedback survey at the end of the receipt. It takes about 5 minutes to save an extra $10 or %15 off of your purchase. 

Tip #4. It's Not All About The Packaging 

• Get creative with wrapping presents and gift tags. 

• Reuse the ribbons and gift bags. 

Tip #5. Get Organized 

• Plan your holiday shopping early so you don't end up paying top dollars for everything.

• Allow enough time for the preparation and shipping. (I would hate to pay for express or overnight shipping) 

Tip #6: No Money, No Problem

• Bake cookies.

• Lottery tickets (who knows, it might be theirs & yours lucky day :)

• Potluck style @ home instead of going to expensive and crowded restaurant. 

December is such a magical month to remind everyone to be thankful and grateful for all they have. So don't spend most of your time looking for the perfect gift. Instead remind your family and friends how much they are appreciated and loved.

Happy Shopping!