Plan And Save

I have been getting a lot of questions on what People can do to both save money and still get good Birthday, Chanukah or Christmas Presents for People this year - because of Inflation and the high cost of everything.

I am no Economist (although I did take Advanced Economics in both High School and College.) All I can say is what I have been doing for years now:

I start shopping early and look in-stores (when I can) and online.

For Online places I don't just focus on the US, but Canada, the UK, etc. As long as you figure in the Currency Exchange Rate and the Delivery Costs and Time you can get a lot.

Also, when shopping for European Friends I use places like Amazon Spain, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, etc. so that it gets to them faster and is cheaper than coming from Amazon US.

For American Friends and Family I don't just stick with Amazon US, but also look at Amazon Canada - some things (like Kinder Eggs - are illegal in the US and legal in Canada so you can't get them, but most things you can and the DVDs in Canada are the same Region as the US.

If you can try to use Layaway in Stores. I haven't used them personally, but in High School I worked in Layaway at K-Mart and know that it helps People budget for the really expensive things (electronics, clothes, etc.)

There are also a lot of good options at Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops. Many of those places are run by the Disabled and help the Disabled so you are both saving money and helping.

As for Food Prices (especially for the Holidays - like Thanksgiving and Christmas): Make a budget now and try to put a little away every paycheck until the Holiday comes. Buy non-perishable food now.

Many places allow you to Pre-Order Holiday Meals. They come either fully cooked or you have to cook them yourself, but Pre-Ordering them now means you won't have to scramble to find things during the Holiday or pay high Holiday prices.

I have already done most of my Christmas and Chanukah Shopping (I'm waiting on a few Stragglers to get back to me and if I can get them what they want I will and if I can't I won't.)

In the end, if you can't afford something like a big, expensive gift than don't get it. Focus on Food, Clothing, Heat, etc.

If the Other Person doesn't appreciate what you get them then who cares? They are selfish and don't deserve anything in the first place.

I will now get off my Soap Box and return you to your Regular Programming ..... already in Progress.