Throw everything you’ve ever thought about holiday shopping out the window because it’s time for a massive reality check. We are officially in a recession, and while the results of Black Friday may show otherwise, America is broke. So this holiday season, it’s time for you to go old school- coupons, price comparison and shopping off priced stores.
Here’s Our Stress Free, Budget Friendly Holiday Shopping Plan

1. Get Over Yourself.

Your kids are not going to remember they only received four toys instead of eight, but will remember that January when the lights were turned off for failure of payment.Your mom isn’t going to love you any less if you bought her LeCresuet pot from HomeGoods instead of Macys. She, will, however remember that you had to borrow money from her to pay your January credit card bill.  Remember it’s just one day a year and, if you’re religious, mass consumerism isn’t what the season is all about.

2. Set a Realistic Holiday Shopping Budget.

Your holiday shopping budget should not exceed more than 50% of yourpost life expenses budget, which is the money you have left over after paying off all of your bills. So if all your bills equal $3000 a month and you only have $500 left over, your holiday budget should not exceed more than $250. Small? Yes. Reality? You can’t afford to spend any more without going into debt.

3. Write a List and Check it Twice.

Write a list of everyone you need to purchase presents for this holiday season. Next to each name write the maximum amount you can afford to spend based on your holiday budget. Then write two or three gifts that fit into that budget next to each name.

4. Compare Prices Online

Take the list you just made and search for the best deal possible for each item online. I like to type in the name of the item into google, but MSN’s Live Search is also a great way to comparison shop (plus it offers cashback on certain purchases).

5. Create a Holiday Shopping Folder
Print out the products sheets of the cheapest items and place them in a holiday shopping folder. This is the folder you will take with you when you go shopping and it’s the folder in which you will place all your store receipts.

6. Search Sunday circulars and Compare in Store Prices

With your Holiday Shopping folder in hand, search the Sunday circulars (and online) for special in store deals. Also head to brick and mortar stores, letting your per gift price range guide to the stores you should visit (if you can only spend $10 per person, then there’s no reason to head to high end stores.) Make sure you check out stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx, purchase the Overstock of top designers and manufacturers. If find an item that is cheaper online than in store, ask to speak with a manager to see if you can get a price adjustment. Many stores, including Nordstrom, offer price guarantees.

7. Determine the Cheapest Option and Buy!
Compare the in store price with the price of the item online (make sure to include shipping and subtract any discounts from online coupons) and purchase the cheapest one!