How to Tackle Christmas Shopping This Year

Christmas is right around the corner. Do you know how many days (and how much money) you have left to get your shopping done?

If you're like most people, the daylight - and the dollars – are dwindling and you're starting to panic. But fear not, you can get your shopping done and have the money to do it if you follow these tips for tackling your Christmas shopping this year:

• Have a plan. The best way to get your shopping done quickly and within your budget is to know exactly what it is you want to buy before you head to the store.

• Be all-inclusive. Too often, people only plan to buy presents. In reality, Christmas shopping includes buying food, decorations, wrapping paper, tape and a whole lot of other things in addition to presents. When you make your plan, make it all-inclusive.

• Don't forget the small stuff. Being all-inclusive means focusing on everything, including the small items such as batteries, ribbon, gift tags and tape.

• Go online. It might not feel like the Christmas shopping you're used to, but shopping online is a great way to save time and money.

• Be strategic. If you can't get your shopping done online, try to map out a shopping route that limits the number of stops you need to make. Time is money, and stopping at a lot of different stores take up a lot of time.

Related Post: How to Save $ in This Holiday Gift Giving Season

• Leave the little ones at home. Shopping with kids is sure to cost you more time, money and energy than you have to spare. Paying for a babysitter is better than taking them with and paying for snacks, drinks and all the extras they pressure you into buying.

• Stop. Once you've managed to find and purchase everything on your list, stop shopping. There is really no need to keep shopping unless you want to go way over budget.

• Finance it. There is nothing wrong with working with a payday loan lender in order to get your Christmas shopping done on time and on budget. Just make sure to be responsible with the loan and pay it back in a timely manner.