Christmas shopping. Will you spend more or less? If you had planned on spending less the cost oil may put a dent into your spending plan.

If you pay over $3 a gallon at the pump to fill up your car, even if it is once a week or once every five days you pay more than you did a few months ago. Plus, this isn’t even the major driving season, even though people drive to visit relatives for Thanksgiving.

Where can you cut? The non-necessities will be the first things cut. I looked at my Christmas budget and I’m cutting from the bottom. Rather than spending more on those little trinkets that add up, a gift card might be what some recipients will receive because that way I will not go over budget and I will find a box or container to put it in at home. Fortunately, I have a stash of ribbons and wrapping paper that I bought on sale last year after Christmas.

The International Council of Shopping Centers predicted that sales at chain stores will grow by 2.5%, the lowest rate of growth since 2004 [CNN Money]. Consumer spending was supposed to increase by 2.5% but that was before the oil prices were knocking on the $100 per barrel threshold.

For some the only way to make ends meet during Christmas time is to rely on credit cards and then pay later. If you have to do it, use good judgement. You may not have the money now but by the time the bill comes you will have it. If this is true for you… then use your credit cards prudently.

In order to stay out of debt at Christmas time, spend only what you can. Many of the problems that we have today are because of too much consumption. If everyone thinks that he or she is entitled to a treat every now and then that’s acceptable. But NOT every day and NOT something that you cannot afford. If you ask around you will find people who will not spend as much as you do on an item, but may spend an exorbitant amount on something else.

The increased gas prices are making disposable income an equalizer. No matter how much you earn, you will have to pay more for gas or gas reliant services.