Haven’t starting thinking about stocking stuffers? You should because these little items often add up and can break the budget.

Christmas is coming and you may have gifts in mind for the people on your list but another way to get some things to fill those stockings is to send for sample items that will make it easier and cheaper to fill those stockings.

Besides with samples, you may even get a coupon for the item. I recently received a pouch of coffee for free with a 75 cent off next purchase coupon. The sample was enough for a 10 cup pot of coffee and there was a choice of samples. Look for coupons in the paper on items that you know the person likes or will use.

Certain companies will send you a free shirt or other premium if you send in UPC codes. That may be a pain but you will save money and the gift will take up space in the stocking. This doesn’t mean that all of the stocking stuffers have to be freebies, but if you plan to spend $25 to stuff a stocking you could spend less by surfing around and getting some freebies online. Start sending away for those things now because some items say that you will receive them in 6-8 weeks. It only took 2-3 weeks for me to receive some of the samples I sent for, but if the items are not perishable, then you can just save them. If there is a hobbyist on your list, buy some things early that are on sale.

Like I said before… make a Christmas spending plan and stick to it. Spend less than you budget. It requires some work but it is possible to do.

In the Christmas spending plan make sure that you include wrapping paper, cards and new decorations as well. [That is if you didn’t buy these last year on sale after Christmas.] These hidden extras often make people go over budget. If you do buy wrapping paper and ribbons before Christmas; shop around. Craft stores often have better sales on these items than the card shops or drug stores.

Haven’t starting thinking about stocking stuffers? You should because these little items often add up and can break the budget.

Christmas is coming and you may have gifts in mind for the people on your list but another way to get some things to fill those stockings is to send for sample items that will make it easier and cheaper to fill those stockings.

Besides with samples, you may even get a coupon for the item. I recently received a pouch of coffee for free with a 75 cent off next purchase coupon. The sample was enough for a 10 cup pot of coffee and there was a choice of samples. Look for coupons in the paper on items that you know the person likes or will use.

Certain companies will send you a free shirt or other premium if you send in UPC codes. That may be a pain but you will save money and the gift will take up space in the stocking. This doesn’t mean that all of the stocking stuffers have to be freebies, but if you plan to spend $25 to stuff a stocking you could spend less by surfing around and getting some freebies online. Start sending away for those things now because some items say that you will receive them in 6-8 weeks. It only took 2-3 weeks for me to receive some of the samples I sent for, but if the items are not perishable, then you can just save them. If there is a hobbyist on your list, buy some things early that are on sale.

Like I said before… make a Christmas spending plan and stick to it. Spend less than you budget. It requires some work but it is possible to do.

In the Christmas spending plan make sure that you include wrapping paper, cards and new decorations as well. [That is if you didn’t buy these last year on sale after Christmas.] These hidden extras often make people go over budget. If you do buy wrapping paper and ribbons before Christmas; shop around. Craft stores often have better sales on these items than the card shops or drug stores.

Spending continues even though costs are rising in the economy. So what happens? People have decided to keep doing what they are doing – spending.

Companies have taken a new approach to getting people to spend money. I have seen more combination parties stepping up the happy hour. A spa or make up company will team up with another place to offer more than one thing to patrons. Generally there may be a small cover charge or not but those who are selling things have an additional outlet to capture new patrons.

Sounds good but if you are imbibing too many cocktails you may let your judgement lapse and overspend. Be careful and watch your wallet.