Canadian Personal Finance Blog

This is an odd name to be given on a day where our neighbours in the U.S. orgy on spending as on no other day of the year. I have always found the U.S. wonderful neighbours, and I remember the first time I figured out their Thanksgiving was MUCH more than what we do in Canada. A snowstorm had closed the schools and I sat down to watch TV, and suddenly there were parades football games, TV Specials, the whole nine yards, this was Fantastic. I have tried to stay home most American Thanksgivings since that day.

So, why is this an excuse to take all your careful financial planning that you have done over the year, the debt reduction, the penny pinching and squander it, because of some sales? Not really sure on that one. I think this is one of those mob mentality things you see (like the Xbox this year or Furbies a few years back). Now, if you were smart, and saved up so you have a war chest to get your Christmas shopping done at a lower price, good for you my American Cousin, that kind of planning will service you well. Be careful, remember to only spend what you have, do not be tempted to buy other than what you need, but enjoy. For my American Cousins who are going to run up their Credit Cards and worry about it later, Shame on You!

Maybe NOW (right NOW) is a time to start a new plan. Don’t go to the big sales, but spend time at home and plan your Christmas shopping needs, and then go and buy what you need at whatever sales are left? Don’t SHOP, BUY! It’s a subtle difference, my wife shops, she looks around, “Oh we need that too” is usually her battle cry, me, I buy, what’s on the list, let’s buy it, and get out! Wham bam, done!

Christmas SHOPPING is going to be what breaks your financial plan, so be careful at those sales. If you are near the Canadian border, come up and visit your cousins, remember your mighty dollar is still worth a lot up here. –C8j