Christmas is over 300 days away but now that the post-Christmas sales are going on, now is a good time to buy wrapping paper, greeting cards, and non perishable gifts.

Who doesn’t like fragrant soaps especially evergreen, cranberry and peppermint scented ones? If you search some stores these holiday goodies will be half price and you can put several bars together for a great gift for next year. Dated items are a true giveaway that an item was purchased last season. Even items like scarves, hats and gloves can be found at bargain prices so that your gift budget will definitely help you maximize your spending budget for 2010.

End of the year sales are also taking place right now, so for people who have January and February birthdays now is the time to start your shopping. Some Christmas items have winter decorations such as snowflakes and ornate trim that do not belie their true origin. Want to give a small gift to an aunt or female relative for Valentine’s day that’s not candy?  Hand soaps or lotions would also be great.

Retailers are making a point of sending emails and in some cases calling preferred customers to let them know about their end of the year sales. I talked to a friend who said she got a call from a small shop she frequents letting her know about a 30% off sale, 20% off for people not in the membership club. I also got an email telling me about double discount for the Body Shop and sale items. [Wise use of my Christmas money to stock up on lotions and creams.]

If you buy items for future gifts make sure you keep them in a place where they can be easily found. Otherwise, you might lose them and have to buy another gift.

Sales for sparkling wines, and advertisements for weight loss products and health clubs abound – so it must be the end of the year right?

Before you march out and decide to get in shape and try a fad diet or guy a gym membership or piece or equipment – think about this year? Did you make the same resolution and then didn’t use the equipment or wasted your money on a prepaid food plan? It happens but instead of feeling like a failure, find something that you can and will stick with. If you like going outdoors more than using a treadmill, then walk when the weather allows and other times, find an indoor place to walk or use an exercise bike in inclement days.

Will power doesn’t work for everyone when trying to shed pounds, but instead of purchasing a plan with packaged meals, reduce the portion size of foods you already like and you will be more successful.

Small steps still help you reach your goal.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas. 

Making financial plans for next year? What did you do or didn’t do in 2009 that you might want to do differently financially in 2010?

Christmas shopping this year made me think more about searching around for more products online. There are many things that I need and when I run out, I go to the store to buy what I need or stock up on sale items. Thought there are times when you can’t get what you need on sale or for less than you already get the items.

One thing I would change would be to buy in bulk from Amazon -  the savings would be worth it, I just need to make sure I have enough space to store the extra items. Also, buying whenever a non perishable item of the brand I like is on sale would save me extra cash as well.

What I started doing in 2009 that was very good and helped me a lot was that I started taking all of the dollar bills out of my wallet. Not because of any special savings technique – my wallet is a zipper wallet and singles take up more space than larger bills. I have three small tins filled with dollars that have served me for gifts, sporadic treats of cappuccino and cheap takeout. This bonus money helped me stay on target and I put more into the containers than I take out so it ends up being a bonus for me.

There is always room for improvement when considering financial habits, but no one is perfect either.

Having a Merry Christmas doesn’t mean you have to go broke. When shopping for those last minute items to add just one more thing to a loved one’s stocking – remember that the small items can do the greatest damage to a holiday shopping budget. If you bought one extra item priced at $4, not including tax for 10 people on your list that’s equivalent to the price of a gift for a person (or two). Keeping track of what you spent, even if you go over for one person or way under for another person can help keep your spending in check.

Not done with your shopping?  Stay focused and keep the goal in mind. Last minute shopping, brings about anxiety and will make you buy things for people that they not actually like but you just buy something to give the person a gift. Have a couple of options in mind if your gift of choice is sold out.

Merry Christmas!

Though it may be too late to order from a place you have never heard of before, if you are considering placing an order with a company and have some doubts, search the company and reviews. See what other customers had to say about a particular store. The same works for certain gift items that you are unfamiliar with as well. Even the most savvy of internet shoppers has had a problem with a company not living up to their promises. Even companies with good reputations have problems too.

Buying an item for a little more, in some cases the difference in price is negligible, including shipping. Make a purchase from a reputable company, or one you have dealt with before especially since today is the last day for free standard shipping for most companies. Many companies may make promises and will guarantee that you will receive your gift by Christmas, though you might get it earlier. I already receive two gifts that I wasn’t expecting to receive until next week – using standard shipping.

Happy hunting shopping!