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4 Tips for Successful Christmas Gift Shopping
Andy Williams says Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but is it really? Buying presents can feel like hell so here are a few tips on how you can turn your worst nightmare into an action plan.
1. Set a budget
Before we set foot into any stores, we have to think about how many people we want to get gifts for and how much money we are willing to spend.
How much money do you need in order to buy great gifts? What is a sum that accomplishes that mission without breaking your bank account?
Do you have a number in mind? Great. Make sure to stick to that budget.
Pro tip: If you prefer to go to shops, leave your credit card at home and take your chosen amount of money with you in cash. That way you will not be able to exceed your budget.
If you see something you really really like but which alas exceeds your budget, you won’t be able to make that purchase. Going home, you will think deeply about whether you actually want to buy this item or not. If you sleep on it and still feel like it’s a great present that would make someone very happy, go back and get it.
This method should prevent you from making any impulse purchases you and your bank account might regret later.