It's the most expensive time of the year

Yep. I said it. You know its true.

Its the time of year when she shop, we clip coupons(hopefully), we rush around like crazy people and try to get everyone something. STOP!! Make a list...we have talked about this before. Write out everyone that you have to buy for. Set a budget. Even if its 10 bucks a person. Then...go from there. Bargain shop. Hunt online. DONT get caught on the buy 1 get 1 stuff... you end up spending more. I write this for those who have NOT begun their shopping yet... I hope that everyone is already DONE, but I fear thats probably not the case :)

Here are some last minute tips:

1. DONT BUY LAST MINUTE ITEMS. By that I mean, dont decide on December 23rd that you need to buy something...because you will spend too much.

2. Take your old dvds and cds and take them to your nearest FYE or music store that will buy them back. Ask for CASH unless you plan to buy something in the store b/c if you DO, you will generally get MORE if you get store credit.

3. Check out pawn shops. I found out just a few weeks ago when Ava broke her dvd player that pawn shops do not expect the price thats on there. SHOOT LOW... all they can do is bump it up a few bucks, say yes, or say no.

4. CONSIGNMENT SHOPS! They get overloaded with good stuff this time of year b/c everyone is making room for the presents to come. You can buy NICE clothes, good clean toys, and awesome shoes and purses. So if you have a teen...this is THE place to go.

What are your ideas? What have I left out?!?!?!?!?