The chill in the air, the smell of pumpkin pie and the sounds of the season are here. And that means it will soon be time to start your holiday shopping, if you haven't already begun. (The TV commercials are in full swing.)
Many stores began pre-Black Friday sales in an effort to boost their bottom line. But this year, just like last year, budgets are tight. In fact,
The National Retail Federation predicts consumers will spend just $682 on holiday gifts versus $705 a year ago.
According to the survey, 70 percent of shoppers will purchase from discounters this year, though more than half of them will also shop at department stores. In addition, the survey says, one in ten holiday shoppers will buy gifts or other holiday-related merchandise at thrift stores or resale shops.
Because we are spending less, it is more important than ever to start saving your money now. Heather Davis Richards, a financial expert based in Kansas City, said her holiday was free of stress because she created a budget that allowed her to get all the gifts she wanted without the fear of heading into debt.
Davis said there are seven things your can do to start planning ahead to stretch your money this holiday season.
