Don’t beat yourself up over money mistakes. One small money mistake will not break you if you have been making good financial decisions the rest of the year. Keep up the good work.

If you are afraid that you will spend too much over the holiday season, then stick to paying with cash or use a credit card and put the cash equivalent aside in an envelope to deposit when the bill comes. This way you have some protection and safety – rather than carrying around wads of cash.

Also, when shopping for Christmas gifts, be flexible. Generally, most recipients will be happy to receive whatever you give them. You don’t have to go broke to give people gifts.

Finding the perfect gift shouldn’t be the only challenge you face this shopping season. Every holiday season people are warned about pickpockets and parking lot thefts and robberies. This year since the economy is poor it is important to remind people of personal safety.

Consider this… how many times have you seen people put their packages on the back seat of their vehicle and then go back into the store or mall? That seemingly innocuous event is just an invitation to thieves.

After shopping, especially when you are in a parking lot, do not sit in your car playing with the radio, checking receipts or other things. Lock your doors and leave. Many times I have seen women sitting in their cars like sitting ducks after they have been shopping. Get in your car, don’t dawdle – leave. Before getting to your vehicle, make sure you have your keys out.

If someone asks you for a donation, either keep some money in your pocket to put into the kettle or give to the person asking, but do not fish out your wallet or dig in your purse for money.

Prices that are too good to be true especially on the “hot” items of the season at an online retailer that you are unsure of, pay the extra money to buy from a reputable dealer. When in doubt, check it out. Sites with poor service or undelivered goods generally have many people who have reviews companies online.

An easy way to do your holiday shopping would be to do most of your shopping online at trusted retailers or just give cash.

“Consumers remain quite apprehensive about the short-term outlook and their incomes,” said Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board Consumer Research Center. “With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is not very encouraging news.”

So the question is… How are you feeling about spending money for Christmas?

Last Christmas there were fewer new “hot” toys and gadgets and this has also trickled down to this year. People are still concerned about employment and also the tightened credit market.

The majority of retailers go into the black during the Christmas season. Since people  have less to spend and tighter credit restrictions, this consumer might end up being royalty again.

How will your spending habits differ this year?

If you haven’t been working or have had a salary cut then you are definitely in the low consumer confidence area. Even if you have a steady job and haven’t had a pay cut, this doesn’t mean that this is the time to spend recklessly. Start budgeting now and if you can, start making Christmas gifts.

Consumer confidence had increased, but that was short lived and due to cash for clunkers. As the holidays roll around, people may spend a little more than usual, but they may not spend as much as they did two or three years ago.