AFFORDABLE HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS-They're Not What You Think

Have a Memorable and Economical Holiday Season & Links

Check out my very first video about holiday shopping (dusted off from the archives). The tips are timeless! Remember the joy this holiday season, not the debt.

Spend for the Holidays on What Matters

I was at a local Marshall’s last week-end when I noticed a toy drive bucket in front. I decided to go in and buy some toys to donate. As I perused the toy section, looking for something fun and durable, I was struck with the “junk”. So many toys are poorly constructed and look as though they won’t even last through the new year. As a sucker for the Disney princesses, I bought a set of dolls with electronic stories to go along. Next I purchased a remote control dump truck (I love those toys). I just hope that it is well made enough to withstand the test of time. My final toy was a toddler puzzle made of wood, the worst that can happen with that one is that the child loses a piece.

I envisioned the children opening the toys and hoped they would be something that would be fun, meaningful, and last awhile.

Wealth and Holiday Links

18 Tips to Save on Holiday Shopping; MSN Money
5 Ways to Spend Less this Holiday Season; Savvy Sugar
Money Saving Tips for the Holidays; Bankrate
How to Host a Christmas Party on a Budget; Invest it Wisely
What Christmas Expectations are you Setting for Your Children? Beating Broke (guest article by Melissa Batai)
Thoughtful Yet Cheap Gifts Under $20; Everything Finance (And don’t miss his iPad giveaway!)

Barb Across the Blogosphere

2 Guys and Your Money Podcast; When Your Job Goes Bye Bye (I’m a regular contributor)
Len Penzo; Black Coffee; Odd Shopping Habits, Lazy Kids, and Fuzzy Math
- Business Insider
Yakezie Carnival at Savvy Scot
Carnival of Financial Planning at One Cent At A Time
Carnival of MoneyPros at The Frugal Toad
Carnival of Retirement at Vanessa’s Money