5 Reasons to Complete Your Holiday Shopping Early This Year

I have a small gift list, so this is easy for me, but each year, I try to get most of my shopping done before Thanksgiving.  The benefits of shopping early are many! Shopping is easier.  The merchandise selection is definitely best in October and November.  If you are buying things like stocking stuffers, CDs, [...]

How to Avoid Compulsive Holiday Spending

How to Avoid Compulsive Holiday Spending. This video has great tips for keeping your finances under control during the holidays. My favorite tips include making a list and sticking to it and shopping early.  I also shop at a few stores, which reduces any tendency to shop on impulse. One of my favorite ways to [...]

Cool Yule Bargain Alert: 1/2 Price Colorful Trees at Sam’s Farm

I dropped by Sam’s Farm in Falls Church, Virginia on Leesburg Pike (address at the end of this post) and was impressed by the beautiful decorations and trees they had there, at very good prices, too. Half-off all artificial Christmas trees and artificial garlands Even though I have a lot of Christmas decorations, I could [...]

Bargain Fashion Finds for Holiday 2010 (women’s apparel and accessories)

What to wear…what to wear?  The One Party — evening event, lounge location, cold, damp night.  Christmas IPRA luncheon — mid-day, lots of Italian food.  And then there are the office parties, Christmas concerts, the Nutcracker ballet, afternoons of skating, and nights strolling around Old Town Alexandria… Like you, I want to look festive (and [...]

Great Christmas Presents for Kids

How much is too much? If your children are very young, you might consider giving them three presents.  Kathie Lee Gifford mentioned on her show last month that if three presents were good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for her children.  Not a bad argument.  Teach your children to ask for only three toys [...]

5 Cool Yule Tips for Saving Money on Beauty this Holiday

The recession changed the way I spend money.  I thought I would share some money-saving beauty tips with you. Do your own nails. You know, the look is for shorter nails, which is great because they are low-maintenance and easy to shape and lacquer yourself.  Thanks to the recession, I have saved a small fortune [...]

5 Cool Yule Tips for Saving Money: Shopping Savings

How to Save Money on Shopping 1. Shop early, before Thanksgiving if you can manage it. There are lots of reasons for this.  First of all, the selection is best and you can find plenty of sales.  For example, this year I found great Hallmark Christmas cards at $5 a box, which is the lowest [...]