Holiday Spending Plans

[Danny]

With the news talking about the economy slowing and retail sales showing small increases in October, there are those that are worried that the consumer will be watching his/her spending for the rest of the year.

How about we the members of the forum - Are you going to be spending the same, more or less this Holiday season.

I'll be spending about the same, although I'll have my eye out for sales.

 

[sgeeeee]

More.

 

[Mr._johngalt]

Less (except on cards - found some I couldn't resist).

JG

 

[Khan]

The same: $0.

 

[youbet]

More. Tossing holiday travel into the pot. Have never done that before.

 

[Nords]

Less.

And last week I shorted Abercrombie & Fitch at $78/share.

 

[astromeria]

I have a single budget item that includes all gifts plus all charity, not a single line for holiday gifts. This being my first full year of retirement, this item has shrunk considerably relative to years past.

When our income was reduced by 75% when we semi-retired, this line dropped precipitously! If I hadn't done a budget, we'd probably be eating into our portfolio to give as generously as we'd like to. I console myself by providing a few hundered hours of volunteer work, being there for family (I fed my brother practically every day this past week due to a health issue he's grappling with), and visiting my kids sometimes instead of having them visit me all the time.

 

[Mr._johngalt]

and visiting my kids sometimes instead of having them visit me all the time.

I would love for my kids to "visit me all the time", up to a point.

JG

 

[Mr._johngalt]

More. Tossing holiday travel into the pot. Have never done that before.

Well, now if you do that, then my spending will be "off the chart"
this year.

JG

 

[Goonie]

I'll be spending less on Christmas presents, more $$ to a couple of charities. Actual combined total on those 2 things will be about the same as last year.

Holiday travel spending will be less this year, as compared to last year. Last year a little over a week in San Antonio...this year 4 days in Nashville.....Shorter + Closer = Cheaper. (Of course had much more summer travel this year than last)

 

[TromboneAl]

Today I got my sister a beautiful Fair Isle sweater for Christmas. It cost 50 cents. So that's up from last year, when I got her a beautiful Peruvian sweater for free (garage sale over, "Everything's Free!).

Inflation's a bitch!

 

[kcowan]

Today I got my sister a beautiful Fair Isle sweater for Christmas. It cost 50 cents. So that's up from last year, when I got her a beautiful Peruvian sweater for free (garage sale over, "Everything's Free!).

Inflation's a bitch!

I buy my brother a Hallmark card. I am going to be more creative in the future! Those cards cost $5!

 

[Mr._johngalt]

I buy my brother a Hallmark card. I am going to be more creative in the future! Those cards cost $5!

I am changing my vote (I said "less"). I was out on the water most of today
where I hatch a lot of good ideas. I am going to get on-line and order
gift baskets for all of really close and loyal friends. It will cost me a bundle,
but I'm not getting any younger and good friends (the kind that stick with
you no matter what) are hard to come by.

JG

 

[Goonie]

....I am going to get on-line and order
gift baskets for all of really close and loyal friends. It will cost me a bundle,
but I'm not getting any younger and good friends (the kind that stick with
you no matter what) are hard to come by.

JG

You know, I used to do that. For folks real close by, I would assemble the baskets myself and hand deliver them. After reading your post...I think I may just start that again! Thanks, JG!!!