In one short week the Halloween goodies will be packed away and the retailers will be hauling out their holiday best. We’ve already seen some stores decked out in festive décor.  Before the spending madness begins, let’s figure out how we can survive the holidays without getting a Visa bill that makes us lose our rum and eggnog upon opening.  

Makin’ a List and Checking It Twice
While it’s a nice gesture to buy gifts for your entire family, friends and colleagues, if you take note of all the people you plan to buy for and how much that will cost, you will realize that a) it all adds up and b) a nice card or a warm wish goes a long way. This year, the Smart Cookies are drawing names for family members, setting a spending limit and only purchasing for that one person.    

Use Cash
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, paying with cash makes you think twice about your purchases and helps cut down on unnecessary spending.  If you can’t afford to pay for a gift with cash, then you can’t afford to buy it.   

Shop Online and Compare Prices
We love to shop online and compare prices as we go. We realize you will have to use your credit card for these purchases so the next best thing to using cash is to make sure you are paying your bill off in full as soon as it arrives.  If you don’t pay your balance off in full, you’ll lose the saving benefits of buying online.

Entertaining
Instead of offering a full bar, try serving a feature drink which will cut back on liquor costs. You can get four times the amount of drinks from a 26 oz bottle of vodka, than you can from a 750 mL bottle of wine. And don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring their favourite dish to your soiree. Guests can bring dessert, appetizers or a side dish.

The Holidays are a Time to Share
Share clothes, accessories, shoes and handbags. Don’t get wrapped up in thinking you need to buy something new for every holiday get together. Also, rent or borrow the tables, chairs and place settings that you will need to host the holiday get together instead of purchasing new items. 

Remember What Matters Most
When we work with families on our W Network show, Smart Cookies, we always ask parents what they remember most about their childhood. They always recount quality time spent together and not video games or gadgets. While we appreciate that children should be treated with a few special things, don’t go overboard.  Instead, think of things you can do together that don’t cost money just a little bit of your time.

Visit www.smartcookies.com for more saving tips and e-mail questions or comments to smartcookies@metronews.ca.

– Tune in Wednesday night at 9 p.m. EST/PST on the W Network and be sure to visit
smartcookies.com for more tips.