It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Mall

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas merchandising is in full swing. I tend to get a little overwhelmed this time of year. This year is shaping up to be the same as usual. So, I am going to share with you some of the things that I am going to try to see if I can't keep my sanity and keep my bank account intact.

The first I will be sharing with you Tuesday night at enrichment night. It is a spiritual advent calendar. I will post it here, for those not in our ward on Wednesday. It will hopefully help me to find more spiritual strength to find peace in the chaos.

Next, here are some tips I found in an article by Martin Lindstrom in today's paper -- "Buyer Beware. What to know before you shop".

1.Leave the kids at home. Studies have shown consumers to buy 40% more items when accompanied by their kids. I know this is not always possible. But, be aware if you are shopping with the kids.

2. Watch out for fake bargains. "$2.50" or "2 for $5" (same price, but at 2 for $5, they sell more). Limit 8 per customer (must be a good deal, huh?). Also, watch what you pay at the register. Make sure you are getting the great deal you think you are. If you are not good at mailing in rebates, don't count on that additional discount.

3. Avoid BIG carts. If you are going to WalMart for a couple items, get the basket, otherwise you will be tempted to fill the cart. Reach has shown that people buy 30% more items when they shop with a big cart. Make a list and stick to it.

4. Don't Sniff. Or don't shop on an empty stomach. This is self explanatory.

5. Beware of Shopaholism. Beware of the credit cards especially this time of year. There are super deals to be found, but are they what we need or even want. Shopping and getting that great deal can bring a rush for those of us addicted to shopping. Before you buy, think about what really brings happiness. The average American household has an average of $10,000 in credit card debt. This debt can take years to dig yourself out from. Not such a happy event.

Important Points

In the post below are "Official Church Answers to questions about Family Home Storage".

I love the simplicity of the new guidelines. The brochure "Family Home Storage" and Family Finances are very short simple and to the point.

I think that it is very important to prioritize. As King Benjamin counseled, “See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.” I think this could apply to our food storage as well.

To me wisdom would be to prioritize. This order makes sense to me.

1. Do we have enough food and water to sustain our family for 72 hours, and is is portable and easy to access?

2. Do we have enough food and money to sustain our family for a 3 month period. Is this food that our family is used to eating? Don't forget the money part! The church does not specifically say 3 months, it does say, "Gradually build a financial reserve, and use it for emergencies only. If you save a little money regularly,
you will be surprised how much accumulates over time."

3. Get out of debt. We have been counseled, "Spending less money than you make is essential to your financial security. Avoid debt, with the exception of buying a modest home or paying for education or other vital needs. Save money to purchase what you need. If you are in debt, pay it off as quickly as possible."

4. Long term food storage. Once your house is in order as outlined above, it is time to work on long term food storage.

"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."

Sources: http://providentliving.org/fhs/pdf/WE_FamilyResourcesGuide_International_04008_000.pdf
http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7587-1-4087-1,00.html