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Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping Under Budget
By Michelle P. Sharrow, MBA
Black Friday officially pushed us into the 2007 holiday shopping season. Hopefully, most of you have followed the advice from my last two columns and are close to completing your holiday shopping. If you aren't, rest assured there are still deals to be had and smart and wonderful ways to save.
Home Shopping Networks
A great way to save both time and money is by completing some of your holiday shopping from the comfort of your home with the help of the home shopping networks. In fact shopping via QVC or the Home Shopping Network (HSN.com) can be done at any hour of the day. Shipping costs are also very reasonable. From purses for your mother to NFL merchandise for the football lover on your list, there are many gift options to tickle the fancy of your love ones and friends. Another great feature of these home shopping networks is that you can shop by watching television or by visiting their online websites. If you decide to watch the broadcast any deals that you see will be available through midnight of the same day. Finally, on select merchandise, they offer easy pay plans where the total purchase price is spread over as little as two up to a maximum of six installments. The installments would automatically be charged to your credit card each month until the balance is paid in full.
 Give Nontraditional Gifts
October sales for most major retailers were very dismal. For this reason, in addition to a very mild fall, great deals can be found on fall clothing and merchandise during the 2007 holiday shopping season. Since fall merchandise consists of long sleeve shirts and light weight sweaters, consider snatching up a few of these at deep discounts. Your gift recipients can easily layer tops for a unique and trendy look while keeping warm in the colder months. They look good and you save.
Outside the Box Ideas
Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year. Depending on when you decide to visit all of your family and friends, you could wait a few days after Christmas to pick up items at the after Christmas sales. While stores may be crowded with people exchanging merchandise, deep discounts are also likely.
With gas prices at record levels, another great out of the box gift idea is a gift card from a discount club like Sam's Club, BJs Warehouse, or Costco. Recipients can use it at the gas pump or for merchandise in the store. I don't know anyone who wouldn't appreciate that no matter what the value of the card is. Of course this idea is only good for those on your lists who you know already have memberships with these retailers.
Last minute holiday shopping doesn't have to break the bank. Continue to think outside of the box and score weekly store ads throughout this month in search of bargains. With every gift that you give, always remember that it is the thought that counts. Don't spend more than you can comfortably afford and don't assume new debt to please anyone.
Happy Holidays.
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Michelle is a freelance writer based in Waldorf, Maryland. Her areas of expertise include finances and parenting. Visit her on the web at 
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