Top 10 holiday shopping tips

What’s your gift-giving plan for the holidays this year?

Will you be cutting back on your present list? Or will you be spending a bit more because the economy is doing slightly better?

U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $688.87 on holiday-related shopping, a slight rise from last year’s $681.83, according to National Retail Federation.

What can you do to get the most for your money this year?

Dave Ramsey offers these top 10 tips:

1. Prioritize your activities to reduce stress.

2. Make a budget before you start shopping.

3. Use cash for your purchases or you’ll spend 12 to 18 percent more.

4. Limit your gift list.

5. Listen to the hints that loved ones drop.

6. Have a thought-out list on paper.

7. Shop around by doing comparative price-checking online.

8. Don’t wait until the last minute.

9. Start now planning for next year.

10. Remember why we celebrate.

For details on these recommendations, see Ramsey’s “Top 10 Christmas Shopping Tips for 2010.”

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Comments

[Lisa]

Good tips. My kids just made their Christmas list so I'll have to shop around.

[Rita]

Hi Lisa,

Yes, it's good to have a list and a plan for holiday shopping.

Rita