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In this down economy, we are all looking for the best bang for our buck.  Money is tight for most of us, but who wants to give up shopping.  By finding the best bargains out there, we can have our cake and eat it too.  We should all know the 411 on how to save money with coupons, clearances and seasonal discounts, but don’t forget about the outlet malls.

We all start out with good intentions this time of year.  But somehow we lose our way with the parties, shopping, gift giving, etc. Here are few sensible tips to help you stop overspending this Christmas season.

• While we all love the smell of a real Christmas tree, an artificial is much more cost effective.  You can spend $50 and up for a tree every year that lasts a short time and then tossed.  Save your money and the trees.  If the scent of a fresh tree is what you want, there are candles and sprays that are pretty close to the real deal.

• For your Christmas dinner, have everyone bring a dish to share.  Coordinate it so that you don’t end up with everyone bringing desserts.

• Have a family gift exchange.  Agree on a dollar amount and then everyone brings one gift for the exchange.  Everyone draws a number; number 1 chooses a gift; number 2 can steal a gift or take one from under the tree, and so on.

• Have a secret Santa exchange.  Everyone draws a name to buy for.  Nobody needs to know!

• Give one gift to a family such as DVD’s or board games.

• Instead of buying for many family members, give to a charity or donate  your time to a local charity.  There are many struggling to buy food, not gifts.

• Buy for children only, no adults.

Did you know that your home electronics and non-essential appliances may be costing you money by continuing to pull electricity even when they have been turned off?  As much as 20% of your monthly electric bill could be blamed on your computers, gaming consoles, TV’s, blenders, hair dryers and curling irons when turned off.  You can save money by simply unplugging these non-essential appliances.

Christmas is my favorite holiday. It is magical with the decorations, the hustle and bustle in the malls, special time with family and friends. But I have to admit that once that special day is over, I look forward to packing away the memories for another year. Christmas can be a huge expense, with travel, gifts, the food, etc. So I start planning in January.