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.

Retailers aren’t as panicked about the upcoming holiday shopping season as they were last year.

With this scenario in mind, retail experts said their No. 1 tip for gift shoppers this year is grab what you want, when you see it.

“Merchants got burned badly last year when they were left with a lot of unsold merchandise after Christmas,” said George Whalin, retail expert and president and CEO of Retail Management Consultants.

There is a different feel about holiday shopping this year than last year. Retailers have discovered a new normal, which means more sparsely stocked shelves and a high rate of unemployment. If people are unemployed, they may be less likely to spend a lot for Christmas or other holiday gifts.

This news shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who has been shopping lately. Remember a couple of years ago when the credit was flowing freely and the choices on the shelves and racks were seemingly endless. Those days are temporarily gone in some places. The only stores that seem to offer more choices are places that cater to crafts and home entertainment since more people are entertaining themselves with crafts and staying home to watch movies.

Since there are fewer items that retailers will offer for sale and will probably have only a limited amount of the “hottest” items available, then it will difficult to get those bargains. This seems hard to believe considering the number of coupons that I currently have and receive regularly that I would actually make purchases from those stores.

Prudent choices when shopping and budgeting before going Christmas shopping makes a big difference especially when paying cash. For people who are really sticking to a budget making the decision to buy one item whether it is the “hot” gift of the season or not will make a greater difference to individuals but to retailers it might. To really stick to a shopping budget giving someone a gift card or cash will help a person not go over budget. Unless you can find a particular item that you know the recipient will love for less than you have budgeted… move on until you find something they will really enjoy and use.

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.