Consumer 6: Be a survivor with these holiday survival tips

â€¢ Create a written plan for holiday spending and gift giving a month or two in advance.<br><br>â€¢ Include in your written plan possible gifts, dollar amounts, and alternative choices.<br><br>â€¢

Tuesday, November 21st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

â€¢ Create a written plan for holiday spending and gift giving a month or two in advance.

â€¢ Include in your written plan possible gifts, dollar amounts, and alternative choices.

â€¢ Also you must plan for other holiday items such as cards, gift-wrap, holiday entertaining, & travel.

â€¢ Draw names in your family instead of purchasing a gift for everyone.

â€¢ Watch for sales on items you intend to purchase.

â€¢ Ask retailers when something is going to come on sale.

â€¢ Shop later in the season taking advantage of clearance items.

â€¢ Buy in bulk.

â€¢ Share entertaining costs with guests. Have each guest bring a dish of their favorite food.

â€¢ Give gifts of love and time. Make coupons for free baby sitting, housecleaning, and yardwork.

â€¢ Consider a part time job over the holidays - perhaps at a store you might purchase items.

â€¢ Give U.S. savings bonds. They cost one-half the face value.

â€¢ Pay for gifts with cash instead of credit. Only use credit for gifts you know you can pay the balance in full.

â€¢ Utilize mail in rebates.

â€¢ Save money on holiday entertaining by creating your menu of current items on sale in the grocery store, make items from scratch verses pre-made/convenience foods, and purchase generic brands.