Four Simple Ways to Help You Save Money During the Holidays

Buying gifts can get out of control if your not careful.

I know that when its time for me to head out and do some Christmas shopping. I always wind up spending way more money than I wanted to. I usually go in with a budget and 9 times out of 10 I never stick to it.

A few years ago I decided to get my wife a new camera. I did a little research on what ones were good for what she was looking to do, I had a budget of $150-$200. I went to Target in the Poughkeepsie Galleria and after looking around I wound up spending $500 on a camera, that still to this day we have no idea to work it.

If you don't want to fall into the budget blowing trap like me, you can try some of these mind tricks that will help you get thru it, according to Business Insider:

1. Use the "10-second" rule. Whenever you're about to buy something, hold it for ten seconds and ask yourself if you really need it or if that money could be better used on something else.

2. Go cash only. They say that people spend a ton more money when using credit cards instead of cash. So if you want to keep your spending in check, try bringing only cash to the store.

3. Shop alone. The more people you bring along, the easier it becomes to impulse buy.

4. Take fewer shopping trips. The more time you spend shopping, the more money you'll spend. So take fewer trips to the mall, and limit the number of stores you go into altogether.

And lastly remember its the thought that counts not how much you spend!!

Merry Christmas.