10 Tips To Spend Money Wisely This Season

'Tis the season to be smart. Follow this valuable advice to make the most out of your budget during the holidays. And remember that using Interac Debit instead of credit means zero interest payments in the New Year!

1. Don't cling to every holiday "deal" you find.

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Even though you may feel as if you've been wounded by Cupid's golden arrow when laying eyes on that supposedly discounted dinner plate set your mom is just going to luuv, resist the urge to buy it before doing your research. Always compare deals during the holidays when stores are really competitive.

2. Don't carry a credit card you don't need to use.

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Using a credit card works inversely as using any talent: When you use it, you lose it — literally. Credit cards + people = a match made in a psychiatric ward — folks be going crazy with them! Figure out how much moolah you can really spend on gifts, and use debit when hitting the stores (thanks but no thanks, evil credit card bill).

3. Surprise your relatives with creative presents.

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For example, if you get your spouse a new tie and some friggin' frog-themed boxers every year, maybe it's time to write him a love letter and bake some cupcakes with his face on them — after all, personal gifts are the stuff happy tears are made from.

4. Get creative about gift wrapping too.

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Newspapers, for example, are good for three things: reading them (says Grandpa), hosting an ample serving of fish and chips, and wrapping presents. Get your hands on any type of seemingly useless paper (old magazines, brown paper bags, etc.), and use it to give your gifts a uniquely vintage, yet frugal touch.

5. Rejoice in finding unique buys at thrift stores.

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Sure, these finds aren't necessarily cheap, but if the stores are locally owned and you have good negotiating skills, you can probably do some bargaining and score great prices on the gems they offer. Plus, buying gifts at smaller shops is a way to avoid being sucked into getting a store credit card at larger retailers.

6. Look for hidden discounts online.

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Megastores online typically offer incredible deals, and you get to shop in your pajamas; nothing beats that. If you don't have time to shop online, you can at least send some money via e-Transfer to your lost nephew in Pokemouche, NB.

7. Polish your Christmas decor-making skills.

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Granted, not all humans are crafty. BUT, when it comes to Christmas decorations, doing them yourself probably means you'll end up with extra dollars to spend on presents! And we all know your relatives won't love you for how cute your Christmas tree looks, but because of how awesome the present you bought them is.

8. Make a gift list, and stick to it.

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Unlike a monkey in an all-you-can-eat banana buffet, you must do your best to have some self-control when shopping. Write down what you need to buy, and do not allow yourself to purchase anything more.

9. Don't be lazy about budgeting.

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OF COURSE during Christmas you are going to bring your A-game! Your outfit is going to be worthy of a Vogue shoot, your hair is gonna be looking like Beyoncé's immaculate mane, and your decor will look like a real gingerbread house! BUT, the best part will be knowing that you budgeted for everything properly.

10. Take a trip down memory lane.

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Did little Johnny really deserve 170 presents last year? Did you end up sacrificing your spring break vacay 'cause you had a bunch of X-mas stuff debt from four months prior?! Looking at how you spent money in the past can help you make better financial moves this time around. And always save your receipts for next year!