Budgeting is a chore that clearly not many people know how to do properly. Heck, I'm probably the last person to talk about budgeting but I do know how to save on holiday shopping!

Now that I have your interest, here's where you can get the best deals on your holiday gifts. The only requirement is that your family and friends aren't materialistic pricks that think they are better than everyone else and require something that is $50 or more for a “decent gift.”

Let's move on...

If your family and friends do happen to be the above assholes I just mentioned, you should probably start questioning those friendships. Same with family relationships, since that's technically a form of abuse, but you can figure that out with your therapist if you have one.

Now, if you really want to save on the holidays, here's what you're going to need to be aware of:

1. Start your Christmas shopping for next year, right after the holidays. I'm not joking on this one. The best deals for gifts is when people are returning gifts they didn't want. Stores want to get rid of these items asap during this time, so now's your chance to get some decent gifts for people. Of course, this doesn't always pan out, but you never know until you try. (Holiday season in stores begins in August and ends in the beginning of January. Just a small tip when everything is expensive. After this period, prices get marked down and that's when you want to grab gifts for people.)


2. Want some name new brand name clothes but can't afford them? Do yourself a favor and don't tell a single soul you're poor! Most people judge people who don't hide the fact that they are poor and wear name brand clothing and have nice things. What they don't know is that at certain intervals, thrift stores will carry used (refurbished) tablets, iphones, tvs, game consoles and then some for a much cheaper price than at other retail stores. Same with name brand clothing. What makes this better? With the clothing, during the winter you can strike gold on stocking up on summer clothes and vice versa. I mean there won't be a lot in stock at this point but you can still look. Another thing most people don't realize is that most department stores will donate out of fashion clothing to thrift stores so they can make room for new stock. Same with purses. Neat isn't it?


3. Careful with those bank accounts. Sometimes you can get a good deal at banks that aren't federal credit unions but don't rely on that. Deals like that are extremely rare. Your best bet is sticking with federal credit unions that have no fees to keep your checking account open if you fall below $500. Being bank savvy can definitely pay in the long run.


4. Do you have a job? Sadly not many people do and some people are often underemployed. Still, if you do have a job, here's how you can budget for your future retirement. This knowledge should be common but it's a shock how many people aren't aware. This involves a saving and a checking account. Ideally, after each paycheck you should put at least $20.00 into your savings each time. Sadly, not many people can do that so if you can even put just $5.00 you should be okay. Personally, I still use the piggy bank method but to each their own.


5. Last but not least, you can always make handmade gifts for your family members and friends. Personally, I love when someone makes me something because they put their time and energy into it. I'm also known to be a bit sappy but that's besides the point. If you have a skill, use it to your advantage. Ideally, the people you make gifts for should be happy that you took the time to think of them. It's the thought that counts right?

Happy budgeting and holiday shopping!