Myvesta News Release

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Even though the hysteria of the after Thanksgiving sales has long been forgotten, the dread of last minute purchases is just beginning. And while many people scramble to "Black Friday" sales in hopes of finding big bargains, those who do all their holiday shopping at the last minute often end up spending more than they originally planned.

"The holidays come around at the same time every year and somehow people still get surprised and wait until the last minute to do all of their holiday shopping," said Steve Rhode, president and co-founder of Myvesta.org, a nonprofit consumer education organization. "When people rush around at the last minute trying to pick up gifts for everyone on their list, they don't have time to shop around or check out different stores. They run into the mall, pick the first thing they find and move on to the next person. That's a recipe for holiday debt."

If you need to pick up last minute gifts for your loved ones this year, these tips could help your dollars go further.

• Use the Internet for research. Even though the shipping deadlines for many online retailers has already passed, you can still use the Internet to do research and compare prices. Some online stores that also have physical locations will allow you to browse and buy online then pick up the item at the store.
• Put some creativity into your gifts. Making large batches of cookies, soup mix or other homemade goodies can take care of a large number of gifts and save you big bucks.
• Give gift certificates. When giving a gift certificate you get to pick the exact amount you spend and you never have to worry if the recipient will like the gift or if it will fit. You'll also save time by not wandering through the mall looking for that perfect gift.

"As you're finalizing all of your holiday purchases this year, take some notes about what you are buying and how much you're spending," Rhode said. "That information is great for planning and the next holiday season is only a year away."

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Myvesta^SM is dedicated to helping people create healthy financial lives. The organization provides a wide range of materials to inspire and inform people so that they can break down their barriers to financial and personal success. For more information visit Myvesta.org online.