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8 Steps to Financially Prepare For the Holidays

SavvySugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:30:15 -0800

The season of giving can influence our preferences for excess, whether it's a second helping of dessert or spending money we don't necessarily have. There's nothing Scrooge-like about staying financially smart throughout the holidays - consider it a gift to yourself. And when it comes to gifts like these, the more, the merrier, so follow these eight steps and feel the love.

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7 Sales Happening This Week

SavvySugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:30:33 -0800

Get a head start on the Black Friday crowds that are just a couple weeks away by taking advantage of some sale events happening this week. You can shop and save on gifts without even leaving the house! Check out seven promo codes that could help you get a jump-start on holiday shopping while staying on budget. Some of them expire soon, so if you're going to act, do it fast!

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Are You Already Preparing For Holiday Shopping?

SavvySugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:00:39 -0700

Usually when October hits, I'm in a panic just trying to get my Halloween costume together. But this year, as retailers start to gear up for the holiday shopping season, I'm wondering, why not follow suit?

According to recent Wal-Mart research, 70 percent of the store's customers plan to start shopping for holiday items before Halloween, so it's no wonder that the company has already announced its holiday spending incentive - a deal that offers a list of 100 toys for just $10 each. With discounts like this already available, it's starting to seem more appealing to hit the stores now and avoid the rush closer to the holidays in December. Another incentive to start thinking holiday shopping now? Setting money for gifts aside now can make a big difference in just a couple months. With cash already stored up, you're less likely to run up a major credit card bill later.

I'll admit, it takes a lot of energy and effort to start planning for your holiday shopping now, but it seems to me there's a big pay off for the early birds. What do you think? Will these incentives get you planning ahead for the holiday season?

Do You Do Your Holiday Shopping Throughout the Year?

FabSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:12:22 -0800

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The How-To Lounge: Remembering Where You Parked Your Car!

DearSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:00:00 -0800

Now that the malls are packed with holiday shoppers, it's harder than ever to remember where you parked your car. To check out some helpful tips, click here to read more

Most garages make you pay on the ground floor before you exit, so write down the floor and any additional notes of where you parked on the ticket. Take the ticket with you and reference your notes.
Find a spot by the elevator or the stairwell, even if you have to go to the bottom floor, so you can find your car easier at the end of the day.
Pay attention to the cars parked around you. They might not be there when you get back, one might be and every little clue helps!
If you have a car alarm, click it when you feel like you're getting close - it's the best way to find your vehicle.

I hope these tips help avoid parking garage anxiety at the end of a long shopping day. If any of you have additional suggestions, please share them in the comments below. Happy shopping!

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Food Court Survival: Part I

FitSugar — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

The mall is almost unavoidable during the holidays, and something about all that running around and waiting in lines makes me hungry. What's worse: Not only am I hungry, but I also know there is a place where food is easily accessible. That place, like the fast food holy land, is the Food Court.

Don't worry, we can get through this.

My first idea is to stick to places where you can actually eat healthy. Deli-type places (Au Bon Pain, Subway, etc.) that don't even have a deep fryer are good options - in other words, places where you can't get french fries and onion rings. Places such as Cinnabon, where it's gooey cinnamon roles or nothing, are out.

Au Bon Pain is a favorite of mine but watch out for cheeses, mayonnaise, and any other special sauces they throw on a sandwich and opt for mustard instead. A great option is the Tuna Nicoise Salad, with 270 calories and 12 grams of fat; get the dressing on the side to lower those numbers even more. People tend to think Chinese food is healthy, but that is not always the case - go steamed or not at all. A good option at Panda Express is the Mushroom Chicken with a side of mixed veggies, all for about 220 calories and 15 grams of fat.

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Are You Ready to Start Your Holiday Shopping?

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:00:22 -0700

Are you ready to begin your holiday shopping? One thing is for sure - mass retailers are. I have been keeping my eyes and ears open lately in hopes of hearing buzz about the latest and greatest products new to the market for the many someone specials on my holiday 2007 shopping list; however, it looks like I may stand alone.

According to a recent article, The National Retail Federation is predicting an all time low in sales since 2002. Due to the weak housing market, consumers are forced to cut back on holiday spending. Lucky for me I am an anal retentive planner who has learned to save for a rainy day. Have you ever put yourself on a savings plan a few months before the holidays?

If you are trying to save on gifts this year, keep your eye out for beauty related marketing tricks and ploys such as:

Resist the allure of celebrities, especially the vast amount of celebrity fragrances available and set to launch. Beware of all the glossy posters that are set to appear everywhere this season.
Just when you think you've walked off of the cosmetics floor scot free, products may appear again in holiday packaged gift sets in another department. Beauty products appear to cost less in sets, however, this is not always the case.
While additional staff is recruited to facilitate lines and crowds, they are also there to aggressively push sales. Don't let their powers of persistence sway you.

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10 Websites to Help You Save This Holiday Shopping Season

GeekSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:50:17 -0800

No matter what's happening with the economy, I'm always down to save some dough on gifts. This holiday, I'll be doing most of my shopping online (which really, is no different than any other year), which can mean great deals if you know where to look. Check out 10 of my favorite sites to help save you a few bucks on all of your gifting needs for the upcoming shopping season!

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Buzz Gift Guide: Your Boyfriend

BuzzSugar — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:30:32 -0800

What gifts to get the guys in your life? I've got your other men covered, from the geeky guy to the guy's guy you know, but what about your main squeeze?

I'd start him off with a new album from a venerable band: Pearl Jam's Backspacer. Naturally, I have a ton of other entertaining suggestions if that doesn't fit the bill.

And if you have a long list of people to shop for, don't forget to check out my other holiday gift guides, along with all the awesome holiday content across the PopSugar Network!

Fab Gift Guide: Man About Town

FabSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:00:22 -0800

Now that we've shopped for the fashion fiend, let's talk about the man about town. He's all about wearing the greatest and latest - with a cool twist. Let's impress him with a slouchy beanie in a refreshingly bright hue, kickass leather sneaks, a punchy card case, and crazy cuff links. Of course, he'll think of you every time he totes this Kenneth Cole Canvas Messenger Bag ($98); such an essential for his everyday life. Be sure to check out all the PopSugar Network's 2009 holiday gift guides!

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