SHOPPING-BUY NOW, SAVE LATER
Shop for other gifts now. Do you have any winter birthdays to buy for? What about your cousin's upcoming wedding? The deals are now. So if you have the funds then buying those gifts now means saving some money and being ahead of the game with your winter to-do list.
Stock up for yourself. Not that you are really looking to shop for yourself right now, but if there is a great deal on something you'll need within the next year, now may be the time to get it. Many retailers have buy 2, get 1 free sales going on during the holidays. If items on your gift-giving list are also things you need, now may be the time to buy the extra item and get one for free.
Watch for deals on restaurant gift cards.
Does your 2008 budget include a monthly date night out to a restaurant? Do you also have a few restaurant gift cards to pick up for others? Well now may not be the time to picky when deciding where to go out to dinner in the upcoming months. Many restaurants offer deals around the holidays that give you a free gift card when you purchase others totaling a certain amount. For example some give you a free $5 gift card for each $25 gift card purchased. Others up your required spending to $100, but you get a $20 gift card for free. Now is the perfect time to get all of your gift cards for others at one location and keep the free one for yourself. If your budget allows you may want to pick up gift cards for your upcoming date nights. Buying enough for the next few months and getting some for free can really increase your savings.
Pay cash. This may seem like a no-brainer, but paying for everything with cash will help you save money down the road. Not having to deal with interest from credit card purchases down the road is the best way to pay for your purchases now and save money later.
Hit the clearance aisles. Getting a jump start on your 2008 holiday expenses can save you a lot of money. The day after Christmas is now considered one of the busiest shopping days of the years. Retailers know shoppers will be out and about and they have merchandise to clear out. This is the time to stock up on holiday cards, gift wrap and decorations. You'll be way ahead in regards to time and money for the next holiday season.