If you read my column, I hope that means you have not waited until Black Friday to start your Christmas shopping. I hope you have been preparing for Christmas all year long. Preparing all year long is a whole lot easier on the budget. However, if you are a last minute procrastinator and have not purchased one holiday gift this year I have one piece of advice to save this holiday season. My best piece of advice for you this holiday season is do not use your credit card to purchase your items.

Typically when you use your credit card, you tend to overspend and you will be paying for Christmas with interest for months to come. I remind readers if you cannot afford it, you do not need it. I would encourage readers to purchase all their Christmas gifts with cash or debit cards. Being debt free this holiday is one gift you can give yourself.

I would also remind readers to keep the holidays simple. You do not have to get extravagant gifts to everyone on your Christmas list. At our home we like to get our children involved when giving gifts o their teachers, coaches and our neighbors. We try to make presents for teachers, neighbors and coaches. It helps reduce the cost and teaches our children about giving. There are countless websites about making your own Christmas presents.

Columnist starts Facebook Page

Want to get coupons from major department stores? Want to know where you can get the latest great deals? Check out my Facebook page called Frugal Family. It will tell you where to get the latest coupons and where you can find good deals. You can find me by typing frugal family column in your Facebook search engine. Also, if you have any great money saving tips, you can send them to me at localnews2005@yahoo.com.