VP Health & Fitness

Well, it’s been a while since I wrote an update on me.  I’m still under the weather - believe it or not… it’s been a pretty crazy & bizzare month.  I am feeling a whole lot better though and I hope to be good as new by my birthday next Wednesday (December 12th).

I’ve also been getting a lot of Christmas shopping done and I have a personal goal of finishing by next week to avoid all crazy last minute shoppers.  Thanks to my frugal & cheap butt self… i’ve been finding some awesome deals online (Ebay, BlackFriday.net, Amazon, etc…) and not I’m not surprised that we’ve managed to stay within our $350 budget this year (all CA$H). Off the top of my head these are the steals that we’ve purchased so far:

Via BlackFriday.net

• New Dell Inspiron 531 Desktop Computer w/ a 24? Dell Widescreen LCD
  Monitor for only $659 w/ a Free $100 Gift Card and Free Shipping! (does not fall into our Christmas budget)(Retail Value: $1200) 
  • Savings: about $541

Via Ebay.com

• New Logitech S510 Cordless Desktop Wireless Keyboard for $18 (does not fall into our Christmas budget) (Retail Value: $79.99)
  • Savings: $61.99
• New Babyliss Hair Setter 20 Roller for $34.77 (Retail Value: $57)
  • Savings: $22.23

Via shopping the stores after Thanksgiving between the hours of 12AM and 6AM:

• Old Navy Mens Wool Jacket for $29 (Retail Value: $60)
  • Savings: $31
• Old Navy Womans Cropped Toggle Peacoat for $40 ( Retail Value: $75)
  • Savings: $34
• Old Navy Jeans for $14.99 (Retail Value: $30)
  • Savings: $15.01

So…. as you can see, i’ve saved A LOT! Just with these items i’ve saved over $700!!!!

I was reading an article the other day by Christian financial advisor, Dave Ramsey and I found this interesting: he said that “Over 50% of Christmas shoppers will spend well over what they planned to and will go further into debt.” Ramsey also mentions that “more than $70 billion, over half of what was charged last year, ended up as revolving debt and the interest on last year’s gifts are still being paid today.” On average, “two-thirds (65%) of shoppers overspent their budget by $100-$500 and 75% overspent by $50 - $100.”

This was a HUGE eye opener for me because it was how I used to pay for my gifts. But not anymore…. My advice to you, open up a savings account at your local bank and start adding some money through out the year.  When the next holiday season comes around, you will have enough cash saved up to go shopping.  Before shopping, do your research, shop around & sacrifice a few hours of sleep to get to the BIG after thanksgiving sales.  It’s well worth it! 

Here are a couple of tips from Mr. Ramsey:

• Make a list of everyone you are buying a gift for and put a dollar amount by every name. Total it at the bottom. This is your Christmas budget. The people in the mall have a plan to get your money – get a game plan for your shopping so you can keep some money. There is no excuse for financing Christmas.
• PAY CASH – put the total from your budget in an envelope and when the cash is gone, stop spending. This will help keep you on budget because if you overspend on Aunt Sue, Uncle Harry won’t get a gift.
• 69% of Americans bought a gift for themselves last year. DON’T BUY YOURSELF A GIFT! This is the season to give not to receive…from yourself.

Most importantly take the time to stop what you are doing and remember the TRUE meaning of what this season is about - God’s gracious and abundant gifts to the world; the gift of life, family and friends, good food, music, worship, and the greatest and most important gift of all: God’s Son, Jesus CHRIST.

These are the real and meaningful things that make life satisfying. So this Christmas may we all be reminded to enjoy God’s gracious gifts, to cherish the beauty and wonder of life and this season—these will leave you feeling much more satisfied and debt free!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

~ Vilma

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