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Friday, November 14, 2008

Momdot Blog Party: Day Three

DAY THREE QUESTION

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Do you budget for the holidays? Do you always stick to your budget? Share with us any budgeting tips you may have!

I, in typical procrastinator mode, have not started my holiday shopping yet. I'm usually the one that realizes it's December 15th and I haven't purchased a single present yet and then I panic for the next 10 days until everything is purchased!

Every year I say I'm going to have a Budget, and every year that budget goes out the door. I just have a hard time with budget. I'll say to myself that I'm only going to pick up a few toys for each of the kids, as they get so spoiled from all my other family and their dads families and everything, but every year I feel like I buy more and more toys. I would love to be able to come up with a budget and stick with it!

This year my 12 year old wants a Lap top -- it's the *only* thing he wants, and I have no idea how I'm going to have money in the budget for that. He turns 13 on New Years Eve, so he's begging for it for a joint Christmas/big 13th birthday present. I really want to buy one for him, but in light of current circumstances, I just don't know how I'm going to be able to do that and buy presents for 3 other children. It's going to be tight Christmas.

16 comments:

Miss Blondie said...

Girl, start shopping!! You're already making me panic!! I'm the same way you are though when it comes to budgeting. I'll have all my shopping done and still will continue to pick up toys that i think he'll like. Try ebay for a laptop and keep your eyes open for deals in local flyers.

Staci A said...

We try to stick a budget too, but it's so hard when we wait til the last minute.

I'm sure your kids will all be happy no matter what they get!

Anonymous said...

Whoa. I feel for ya! Look online for the stores with sales, then google 'coupon code (store name)' and see if you can find an online code to use in addition to the sale. Good luck! Here's My Day 3! Come sign Mr. Linky!

Tena said...

maybe you can find a good deal for a laptop on black friday????

FreeStyleMama - Diana said...

I got a used laptop for a great price that works well! BUT~ you can check out Black Friday Ads already so you can plan ahead: http://bfads.net/ Maybe there will be a good deal on a laptop.

Check out the new Family FotoFun Friday feature on my blog~ http://dianas-daily-ramblings.blogspot.com/

Proud Mommy said...

Good Luck!!! I'm glad we aren't at the lap top stage!!

everyday mom of one said...

search online you may be able to find a really good deal for that laptop, try www.newegg.com.

Amber DBTD said...

We're living paycheck to paycheck as it is, I don't know if our kids will get much of anything this year.. Luckily they're young enough not realize it too much...

Ebay is great for electronics and also for large lots of toys that can be broken up and seperately wrapped. Last year I got $200 worth of fancy toys for $15 plus shipping.

You can get a laptop reasonably on Ebay, and if it does not work, file a claim with Paypal. Being a seller, I can tell you Paypal and Ebay ALWAYS side with the buyer. So you ahve nothing to fear!

QAMom said...

My suggestion was going to be check out the black friday ads. But I'd shop around and see what places have.

Kelli said...

I was going to suggest checking out the Black Friday sales for a deal on a laptop. That's a big request for sure! I think I have seen laptops at Walmart for a little over $300???? They are smaller in size but it might just do the trick for your son.

By the way...your kids are so cute!

Mom said...

Oh ouch, a laptop. Black Friday maybe? Except you'd have to spend the freakin' night in a parking lot... You might check out refurbs. Places like Dell sell them with full warrenty & software at pretty good prices...plus, they usually have some good promo codes around Black Friday.
Good luck!

Allison said...

A fellow procrastinating shopper!

I do the same with the budget... I try to stay on it, but I just like buying things I see that I know my daughter likes... now I have another child, so I know I am in big trouble this year LOL!

Sandy said...

I hear ya! It is very tight for us this year too. I have not started to shop either, so don't feel bad.

Michelle@lifeinawhirlwind said...

Can you buy a refurbished laptop for him? They are usually much cheaper.

Cat@3KidsandUs said...

Seriously, watch the black friday ads, you can get a laptop super cheap if you can in line early enough for one of the vouchers. But that means camping out in front of Best Buy.

Unknown said...

I hope you can find good deals on Black Friday.