It seems like just yesterday you were sitting with family around the Thanksgiving table enjoying the abundant food and joining in the laughter; then you realized that Black Friday was upon us after which comes Cyber Monday and then the upcoming days and weeks of navigating holiday shopping madness. United Faith Mortgage would like to share some tips for saving money, staying sane and remembering the true reason for this joyous time so you can keep your sanity and enjoy every God given second of this beautiful season.

Write it Down

  • Write the names of each person on your list with the maximum spend for your budget. If you happen on a sale don’t feel that you have to make up for it by purchasing another gift; consider it exactly what it is…a savings. Don’t forget to add anyone that you give Christmas tips to such as your babysitter, mail carrier, etc.

Online Research

  • This is the age of internet, so use it to your advantage. To find the best online price for a specific item, use a comparison shopping site such as Pricegrabber.com. Don’t forget to check reviews and ratings to double check the quality of the item you are purchasing, best part is, you can be in your pajamas and fuzzy slippers while searching and no-one will care!

Online Coupons

  • com, couponcabin.com, there are hundreds of online sites that offer coupons for thousands of retailers. All you have to do is print them out before you hit the stores or grab the coupon code if you are shopping online. Takes a second and could save you big bucks.

No-Cost Holiday Shipping

  • On December 17 many merchants will offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve. (Go to freeshippingday.com for details).

DIY – “Do It Yourself”

  • Gifts made with your own hands are priceless and inexpensive, not to mention unique. To get some ideas you can check out pinterest.com or google DIY to get those creative juices flowing.

One last mention; Christmas isn’t about the material gifts and shouldn’t be about breaking your budget. One of the most famous statements in the Bible is Jesus’ explanation of why God sent him to earth: “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” The entire reason for Christmas is the birth of Jesus and the love of God, so if you don’t get that super deal of the week or if another shopper cuts you off in line, remember God’s gift to you and what is truly important this Christmas Season.

Peace and Love,

The United Faith Mortgage Team