Comments (scroll down to add your own):

1. Great tips. I wrote a similar post a couple of weeks ago. I specifically talked about the points you made in #1-3. I certainly do not think there is anything wrong with taking people off of the list, specifically the people who are never appreciative or whom the giver does not have a strong relationship with. Making a budget and sticking to it is always a good thing to do no matter what the reason. As far as re-gifting, why not? If I receive a gift card for a store that I don’t shop at or can’t find anything to use it on, there’s no reason not to give it to someone who can benefit from it, or just use the card to buy a gift for another.

   Comment by Eric J. Nisall — Dec 19th 2008 @ 1:08 pm

2. I like the tips. Charitable giving is especially needed this holiday season as I would expect that donations are down. Donating goods or volunteering services would surely be appreciated at any charitable organization.

   Comment by Mark — Dec 19th 2008 @ 1:43 pm

3. It’s difficult to cut back when so many things are going on, holidays, new years. Making a budget is key. I actually try to overestimate that way if I do go over what I planned, I’m still safe.

   Comment by Craig — Dec 19th 2008 @ 4:42 pm

4. One of the things I do to save money is I set aside $100 every month and then when its holiday season I’ll have a little bit of change that I can go out and purchase stuff instead of putting it in a credit card and paying on the summer. The thing here is Proactive.

   Comment by Bill M — Dec 20th 2008 @ 9:42 am

5. Setting aside money all year is a good strategy. Along those lines: I buy Christmas gifts in July. Or at any time of year when I can find something I think the person would like on sale.

   This forces you to think creatively, because you need to avoid buying something the person is likely to get for him- or herself between July and December. But so far, so good: it’s always worked. Two advantages: it keeps you out of the stores during the Christmas craziness, and helps to save money on gift purchases.

   Comment by Funny about Money — Dec 20th 2008 @ 10:33 am

6. …nothing against charity — but how does charitable-giving “save” you money ??

   Comment by rogers — Dec 21st 2008 @ 4:09 pm

7. rogers: Read all of point #5…

   “I’ve previously listed some ideas for charitable giving that don’t require any money.”

   That link leads to a variety of ways to support your charity (and grab a bit of that old holiday spirit) without spending a dime.

   Comment by nickel — Dec 21st 2008 @ 4:21 pm

8. …charities to donate a vehical, Habitate for humanity’s Restore. They pick it up anywhere and they value it at Kelly blue book, the highest of all. Other charities auction it to the highest bidder, which may not be half of its value ,in a down “cash only” market. The donation is dated for the day you give them the call to take possesion, not when it’s sold, as some others do it. It’s a done deal ,no follow up, no headaches, a GREAT organization and a good deal for the doner.

   Comment by markimill — Dec 22nd 2008 @ 12:17 pm

9. I think # 6 is very important and whethet it is to save money or not, you should always spend time with your family.

   Comment by Vik Dulat — Dec 24th 2008 @ 5:11 pm

10. I think cutting back is easier than a lot of people think. American consumerism is so rampant, we all feel like we need to give our family members something huge like an iPhone for every occasion. My boyfriend and I usually go all out, but this year we decided to be very modest — we only spent about $40 or so on each other for Christmas but got each other very meaningful things (we had to exchange gifts early). Plus, that leaves us some wiggle room for birthday presents, as we both have birthdays soon after the holidays, and Valentine’s Day. I hate that there’s so much pressure to do everything bigger and better every year. Like you said, family is what’s most important — not all this stuff we may not even use!

    Comment by Emily — Dec 24th 2008 @ 5:45 pm

11. Another variation of gifting is going back to simpler times and resisting the avalanche of electronic stuff for children. A recent column in the Baltimore Examiner-Opinions, makes the point in some detail.

    This Christmas: Bucking the Trend
    by Jennifer Maxwell, Guest Columnist
    December 23, 2008

    Comment by Roger Metz — Dec 26th 2008 @ 2:08 pm

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