When I was a boy, I would save my paper route money, wait until a couple of days before Christmas, and run out to complete my shopping. I didn’t plan, didn’t stress and just bought whatever caught my eye. Admittedly my list was small (Mom, Dad, Grandparents and maybe a sibling or two or maybe not). Was I a good shopper? No, if thinking ahead, planning and putting myself in the recipient’s shoes were required. But, not realizing my inadequacies, I blundered along and had a ball.
For years Janice has done “our” shopping and for good cause, because I still do little planning. I usually need to watch others open their gifts so I can see what “we” got them. While most of our shopping nowadays is done online, Janice and I spent yesterday out looking and buying and finalizing our shopping for this year. For only one day, I not only endured but enjoyed the crowds. We had a wonderful day…a bit reminiscent of my childhood shopping, but with much more forethought. Thanks, Jan.
Some posts I have enjoyed this week:
- What constitutes success: what you accomplish or how you accomplish it? Matt Jabs’ post “Honor| The Importance of Character in Success” will challenge you and inspire you to do things right, even when no one is looking.
- If you are like me, dealing with taxes is like having a cranky aunt come visit…I just want to get it over with. But “Tax Planning Demystified” at Good Financial Cents will not only explain what tax planning is, but will also give you some nifty tips to help you pay less taxes. Hey. Paying less taxes is something I can enjoy.
- Should you always buy a home instead of renting? Is renting the same as throwing your money away? ”Advantages of Renting Instead of Buying a Home” at Cash Money Life will challenge your thinking. A well done guest post by Craig Ford.
- You are obviously a reader or you wouldn’t be reading this. Want to know what blogs and books others read? Check out “Books and Blogs About Personal Finance” at Fiscal Fizzle. Wojciech Kulicki reads a book a week, so he will inspire you to read, read, read.
- You hear it everywhere, even on Dr. Phil, “You need a credit card to establish credit.” The question is, “What should always accompany that question?” Lynnae tells us in “You need a credit card to establish credit.” at Being Frugal.
Carnivals I have participated in this week…check them out!
Festival of Frugality hosted by Negotiation Boad. My post was one of only ten chosen!
Carnival of Money Stories “Winter is Here” Edition
Carnival of Personal Finance “Cinderella” Edition
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All homemade Christmas gifts for us this year! I helped my wife go purchase a few packaging ingredients at the Dollar Store, then she did all the “putting it together” work.
Beautiful gift baskets of an assortment of homemade products and foods. Turned out great and cost us a total of $26 for everyones gifts. Not too bad.
Matt Jabs´s last blog ..Credit Card Debt Reduction How To Handbook
Matt,
Awesome! We don’t do ALL homemade gifts, but quite a few. I don’t know about you, but I would be pretty lost if my wife didn’t know how to “put it together”.
Just curious…do your friends and family wonder what happened to your sanity, or do they understand what Christmas while getting out of debt looks like?
No, they know where we stand. Also, I’m an outspoken/persuasive type personality, so by the end of my time with people… most of them feel like getting out of debt is the right thing to do!
Or at least it is my goal to get them to see things that way.
I’d be totally lost without my wife. She truly is my better half.
Matt Jabs´s last blog ..Credit Card Debt Reduction How To Handbook