Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  Everyone exhale!  We've made it through the most expensive holiday of the year.  While it celebrates someone who was born in a manger, it's become a commercial nightmare.

 Enjoy January!  It's a cheap month!  In February, all the women will want diamonds!  But, something like this cubic zirconia ring from Kohl's may have to do . . .

Since it's all made in China . . .

. . . you really aren't too good for Kmart.

Seriously, if all the merchandise in every store is made in China, why pay more for it?  Just buy it where you can save the most money.  There's no snob appeal in goods from some far-flung land.  Labels and brands mean little when it's all made in the same sweatshop in some developing country.  There is no reason to pay too much.  Unless, you are buying something to feed your dog.  Then buy USA all the way . . .

Dealing with The Fiscal Cliff

This blog isn't about politics.  It's about stretching pay checks. However, this "Fiscal Cliff" has me worried.  Taxes could go up 17% on most pay checks.  That's a lot of money out of each paycheck.

Here are some strategies for saving money:

How You Can Cope with Fiscal Cliff Tax Hikes

Downsizing Your Christmas Decorations

The Christmas holiday hectivities are here again!  People are running around like crazy trying to buy stuff and decorate and dine and travel and finish end of year work projects.  It's nuts.  But, it doesn't have to be.  Much of what happens over the holidays is conventional.  It's what society expects people to do.  But, if you don't feel like dragging out a twelve foot mega tree, you can take a step back and downsize.  You'll save money and stress a lot less.

The Town Already Decorated So You Don't Have To!

 
Read my article to learn more about having a leaner Christmas . . .


Downsizing Your Decorations for a Hassle Free Christmas