Well, Black Friday is behind us now, and the Christmas shopping season is officially in started. Initial reports say there were 17% more holiday bargain-hunters this Black Friday than last, a number that’s surprising, considering the shoddy state of the economy. But what that 17% doesn’t factor in—and what many analysts have already pointed out—is that with the struggling economy, many people have been holding back on doing any holiday shopping until Black Friday.
In other words, just because a lot of people went shopping after Thanksgiving, that doesn’t mean all is well and rosy with the economy. The compulsion may be there to join the crowds, and run out to spend money you really don’t have, even knowing if you do, you’ll regret it later.
I’m not advocating burning your shopping lists this year; I’m not even saying you should pinch pennies in buying gifts for those closest to you—my little brother is getting his high-end telescope, no matter how long I’ll be paying down the credit card bill. What I am saying, though, is that you can—should—conserve money where you can. One easy and sensible way to do that is through gotfreecards.com, and their huge collection of free christmas e-cards. All you have to do is log on, pick your card, and enter the e-email address of the recipient. It’s that easy, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
So buy a telescope for your brother, or a diamond ring for your fiancé; but remember: you can, and should, save money where you can