I have a few phrases for this time of the year.  The holiday season brings on “guerilla warfare”, “budgeting nightmares”, “self-imposed credit crunches, and more.  I can go on but I think you get the point.  Our financial morals are a little lax during the holidays.  Come January, we are hit with financial Armageddon.  Then the “buyer’s remorse” sets in.  Let’s see if I can arm you with some financial holiday survival strategies.  Believe me when I tell you that nothing takes the place of good ole fashioned common sense.  Also, a little restraint goes a long way.  My motto has always been “cash and carry.”  Let me tell you, when your “money is funny” and your “change is strange”, that logic goes straight out the window.  Anyway, let’s see if I can offer any timely advice.

1. Take some advice from good ole Santa Claus.  Make a list and check it twice.  By that, I mean a spending list.  Create a budget that includes gifts, possible dollar amounts, and back-up choices.  Factor in the small stuff like decorations, wrapping paper, cards, and if you want to have a party, then add in the extra costs of food.  If you are serious about controlling your costs, then be aware, (and most of all honest), about how much you can afford to spend.
2. Be a comparative shopper.  Bargains are everywhere.  There is no need to overpay for anything.  You have a list…stick to it and by all means, avoid overspending.
3. Most people had a challenging year in the financial department.  Take that into consideration when shopping so you do not start off the year in financial “critical condition” because you have no idea what 2011 holds in store for your finances.
4. When you are out on the road and you just want to do some comparison shopping, or you just want to relax and window shop…do yourself a favor and leave the checkbook and credit cards at home.  This cuts down on the temptation.  Your checkbook and credit cards are not like American Express…you can leave home without them.
5. By all means, if all possible, pay for your purchases using cash.  Most credit card users get caught off guard in January or February when they receive their credit card statement and suffer from a mild case of “shock.”  I like to call it the “post holiday shock syndrome.”
6. Don’t be in such a rush to buy something.  Wait for sales.  They happen every weekend…just look at all the flyers in your Sunday paper.
7. Shop online if you are able to do so.  Sometimes when you check retailer websites, they have a lot of good items on clearance.  Some items you may not find in their store.
8. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart.  Hand-made crafts can make someone feel very special because they know you took the time to make it especially for them.
9. A lot of people like to receive gift cards from their favorite retailer.  In my opinion, there may not be a better way to control your spending.  Plus, look at it this way.  They are guaranteed to like the gift because they will be the one to choose their own gift.

By no means is this intended to be an exhaustive list.  I just wanted to give you a few more arrows in your quiver this holiday season.  There is no substitute for prudent money and credit management.  Managing your holiday spending will almost ensure you start off the New Year with no spending remorse.