Christmas for less

Many people have started their holiday shopping already while some may wait until after Thanksgiving and even up to the week before Christmas. Between traveling, Christmas meal planning and the growing gift list for family, its no wonder many people spend way too much on this holiday. The good news is, by following a few tips, you can maximize your savings and enjoy the look on your loved one's faces on Christmas morning.

Shop online

Many high ticket items such as electronics and toys are available for a steal on many auction and retail sites. You can find these items in new or like-new conditions for cheaper than you would find them in your local department store. Overstock.com, eBay.com and Amazon.com are the leading top three picks for any shopper. These sites offer everything from the unique to high-dollar items your family craves. With secure checkout, your financial and personal information is kept private, so that would-be thieves are unable to gain access to credit card numbers or your checking account.

Layaway

Many stores offer layaway during the holiday season. It works by allowing you to place a small deposit on your items and pay for them over a period of six to eight weeks. Once you have paid the balance in full, Voila, you take your purchases home and begin holiday wrapping. Kmart has offered layaway for years, requiring a 10% deposit to begin. Their arch rival, Wal Mart, announced in October 2011 that they would be offering layaway once again, through the holiday season. Layaway is an ideal solution to gift purchasing without breaking the bank in one day.

Cash back programs

Did you know you can earn cash back to shop for gifts AND enjoy up to 70% off selected items at many major retailers? Stores offer these savings through shopping clubs. Some shopping charge a small monthly fee, while others are completely free to use. Why do they offer these savings and pay you to shop? In today's dwindling economy, retailers are feeling a major impact as consumers are shopping a lot less than they used to. By offering discounts and rewards, companies can draw consumers back in and meet their needs for quality, low-cost merchandise. This means big savings for you on name brand items such as True Essentials, Polo, Kitchen Aid and much, much more.

Take advantage of no shipping

When shopping online or through direct mail, many companies charge shipping costs that almost double your purchase price. Around the holidays, online stores offer reduced or free shipping when you spend $100 or more. Come on, its Christmas, that should be easy. Walmart.com offers such deals such as free shipping or 97 cent shipping on selected items. If you opt to ship directly from Site to Store, your shipping is free and all you have to do is pick your items up at the location you chose. You can also obtain discount shipping codes on freeshipping.org and retailmenot.com. These sites offer codes for many major retailers. You simply enter the code during checkout in the coupon code field and your savings are automatically deducted from your purchase price.

Black Friday

Ah yes, the Black Friday sales event where people are nearly trampled trying to find the perfect gift or get their hands on much desired newly released products. We have all heard Black Friday horror stories. So how do you beat the Black Friday rush, and emerge from it alive and intact? Take nap after your Thanksgiving guests have gone home. Arise at 10 P.M. and dress yourself in comfortable shoes and clothing. Plan out your course of action. What stores are offering the best door buster prices? Write these down, you'll need them. Arrive at your first destination around 11 or 11:30 P.M. At midnight, these sales begin at stores that are open 24 hours. This is where you want to go first. Other stores will open around 6 A.M. leaving you plenty of time to be one of the first in the door and have your shopping done by noon. Don't want to be a part of the crowd? Did you know door busters are also offered online?

Add friends on Facebook

Many retailers are available on the popular social networking site, Facebook. The perk to being friends with these retailers is you are offered special discounts and coupons as well and entry into many promotional contests. Many retailers are also branching out to Twitter, to help you find specials and discounts by simply using your phone's built in mobile web server. Perfect for on the go shoppers. Want to score some freebies while your at it? Try friending manufacturers too. Facebook friend and Twitter followers can often score freebies by simply filling in their information on a small form via their social networking site.

With some advance planning and savings know-how, this holiday season can be more enjoyable. Here's to a pleasant, stress free shopping season and Happy Holidays!