Keep holiday spending under control
Unchecked personal debt can result in bankruptcy
By Caroline Neeley Special to the Acorn

No doubt these are words you'll be hearing frequently, if not already; "Do you know what I would like for Christmas this year?" while subtle hints on what to purchase are being dropped all over the place. It's human nature to want to please, not to mention the great feeling you get when someone opens a gift they're tickled pink with, even though the gift may have cost you an arm and a leg.

Between Oct. 1, 2005 and Sept. 30, 2006, 1,112,542 people filed for bankruptcy nationwide. Not bad considering we're a population of 300 million. But when you combine the 2005 statistics with the 200607 economic outlook coupled with a declining market and property foreclosures on the rise, our financial future is clearly in jeopardy, and in my opinion, dying a slow death. Unless of course, people stop spending beyond their means . . . what a concept.

We all want to give the right person the right gift, because we like the feel-good moment, plus the pleasure and happiness it brings is priceless. With that said, and in light of most people feeling financially choked this year, I would like to offer you these simple tips to simplify your shopping and keep all your parts intact: 1. Prior to spending, ensure that all your bills are paid. 2. Set a holiday budget that includes gifts, gift wrap, cards and postage. 3. Save a little electricity by not decorating as much as usual on the outside of your home. 4. Suggest that all the grownups forgo gifts this year, and only buy for the children. 5. Always be on the lookout for bargains and 50 percent and more off sales. 6. For your children: Find out the one gift they would really like to have. Buy it and make the others gifts less in value. 7. If you can stand it, buy similar or knockoffs instead of brand names. 8. If planning to purchase a big ticket item such as a television, stereo system, car, etc., ask yourself "is this something I absolutely must have right now?" 9. If you're planning to buy everything your children ask for, remind yourself that you're contributing to raising spoiled brats. Children must learn that they don't always get what they want.

Make yourself proud you're a bargain shopper. Happy shopping.

Caroline Neeley is a Camarillobased conflict negotiator, anger management counselor and humorous motivational speaker. She can be reached at (805)484-5134.