Jingle All the Way into the New Year

o Stay committed to your budget. Make use of the many downloadable budget sheets available online to help you stay within your holiday budget. You can find some free downloadable sheets to help you do just that from your holiday menu planner to your holiday grocery list. Just google The Debt Diva and find Debt Diva Downloads in the sidebar.

o Catch the sales! Many if not all retailers have sales going on right now on top of free shipping, but last minute shoppers should hurry as these deals may not last too much longer.

o Simple everyday things make great gifts. Give gifts like candy cane and Christmas cookie scented candles, posh pens and jazzy journals. These are useful gifts and relatively inexpensive.

o Think little luxuries. The one who loves to cook would enjoy bringing new flavor to classic dishes. So why not get them a few exotic spices imported from other lands? Coffee drinkers would adore a limited-edition holiday blend, and a person who loves to read would love a bookmark that blings or has words of inspiration inscribed on it.

o Give love on Christmas day. Keep your cash and give by serving dinner to the homeless at a shelter. You could also spend time with an elderly person who you know will be alone on Christmas, or invite them to your house to have Christmas dinner with your family.

o Give your talent. Can you cook a mean meal? Then why not do that for a family that’s less fortunate.

o Give gifts that give back. Get more bang for your buck and give gifts that give back. Shop at We-Care.com where a portion of your purchase supports your favorite cause.