Making A List, Checking It Twice – Don’t Go Holiday Shopping Without Reading Ours!

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice – if you are feeling a pinch in your wallet this time of year you are no different from most residents of Toronto! Holiday shopping in the province’s capital can be both a blessing and a curse! We have the benefit of options – so many stores and so many discount sales – but we also have the burden of increased marketing. When I look out my office window (from our bankruptcy Toronto office at Yonge & Bloor) I see a lighted sign from a major retailer that flashes all of the ongoing seasonal deals! With so much advertising in Toronto we have decided that our gift to you this season would be a helpful list to aid you in your shopping so that you can put up your best defense – you!

Create a shopping list – be clear about who and what you are shopping for and how much you want to spend. Don’t be tempted.

Window shop first – always look around for deals on specific items – if your father asked for a new microwave oven make sure you don’t just buy the first one you see – there is always a better deal! Also consider bargaining for the item. In many cases if you ask for discount or what is available you will be surprised at what can be offered.

Leave the cards at home – shopping with cash will make it easier to stay within budget!

Be savvy and creative – think about who you want to give gifts to and if you can make that person happy with something that costs less but has a big impact on them you are really understanding the true spirit of the season – it’s not about how much you spend it really is the thought that counts!

For those of us have entered into this season with existing debts and who plan to deal with them in the new year, proceed with caution – if you are spending on your credit cards today and considering bankruptcy in the new year the credit card companies can ask that you repay a portion of the money spent!

If you already have more debt than you can handle, we are here to assist you so please feel free to call and request your free consultation today!

Happy Holidays Everyone!