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Here Comes Santa Claus

Holiday Shopping for the Budget Conscious

By Neilia Sherman

There is also nothing wrong with getting to know sales people and asking about upcoming sales. Some stores offer quantity discounts and many offer money off for small defects. There are even retailers who give discounts if you pay in cash. But you'll never save money if you don't ask!

To avoid the malls and the temptations that retailers and advertisers have set up, consider using catalogues or the Internet for your holiday shopping. "The telephone can be a cost-free way of comparison shopping before you head out the door," says Holt. "You can use the information to bargain for the best possible price."

Here are some suggestions of places to find bargains other than the local mall:

Liquidators
Liquidators buy up inventories from businesses that are overstocked or have filed for bankruptcy. Items are sold well below retail prices. These are good places to stock up on gifts in advance. For instance, if you find a well-known perfume for half price, you might want to pick up six at once and hide them in your 'gift closet.' Check out the yellow pages or the Internet to find liquidators in your area.

Garage Sales
This may seem tacky for some people but you can find new things with the tags still on them at garage sales. Again, into the closet they go. Jody Roth of Toronto, Ontario, Canada says that the best things often come from garage sales. "I have found that the gift doesn't have to be new, because interesting and old is high on the list," she says. "Collectibles abound at garage sales, and you can find many things of beauty and interest for every friend or member of your family."

Kelly Nelson of Christianburg, Virginia is the owner/editor of FrugalFinesse.com and a self-confessed yard sale, thrift store and clearance sale addict. She recommends looking for unusual gifts and unusual sources such as grocery stores or beauty supply houses. "Think outside the box," she says.

Want to see more?

• Christmas on a Budget: 6 Ways to Spend Less This Holiday Season
• Easing the Holiday Crunch: Tips to Lighten the Financial Burden
• 'Tis the Season to Save Money: Sticking to the List Without Breaking the Bank
• Talk about it!