Tuesday Tip – Countdown to Holiday Savings

Things are tight, there’s no doubt, so today’s tip is to help you get ready for the holidays with these great ideas from the November 21 edition of All You.

6 WEEKS TO GO – November 9-15

Start shopping online.
Hit the Web early to compare prices and shipping fees.

Finalize travel plans.

Get crafty.
Start making handmade gifts now to pace yourself.

Pool old gift cards.

5 WEEKS TO GO – November 18-22

Check out sale racks.
Scope out markdown racks before searching for specific presents, you never know what you might find.

Look at online classifieds
Places like Craigslist and Kijiji offer merchandise from thousands of local sellers.

Stick to a list on Black Friday
It’s a good time to get deals on big-ticket items, just don’t be tempted to go over-budget.

4 WEEKS TO GO – November 23-29

Buy your paper, cards and bows

3 WEEKS TO GO – November 30 – Dec. 6

Finalize online buys
Finishing now means you’ll have plenty of time to avoid last-minute rush delivery charges.

Do a reality check
A good budget is flexible, so trim your gift list or shrink your holiday menu if it looks like you might exceed your limit.

Shop for groceries
Stock up on non perishables and freezable items.

2 WEEKS TO GO – December 7 -13

Wrap and send gifts
Aim to get them out before December 15, which is the busiest mailing day of the year.

Deck the halls

Seek out car pools
Hook up with family or friends traveling to holiday shindigs and split gas costs.

1 WEEK TO GO – December 14-20

Do last-minute shopping online
If someone has slipped through the gift list, don’t panic. Go online for inexpensive, personalized gifts like iTunes and Netflix gift cards and magazine subscriptions.

Wait to buy gifts
Seeing family after the 25th? With so many post-Christmas sales, hold off until after the holiday to pick up those presents.