After Christmas closet clean out

I'm doing inventory and seeing what I can get rid of. We don't need bigger storage containers. The old toys and nicknack's have got to go. Hoarding stuff is a waist of time. If you are a Thrift Store Shopper this will be easy. Paying so little for the stuff we enjoy and the freedom to hall it all away and not think twice about it, priceless.

Silver Bells And big Red Bow

Have A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Paying with Cash

We forget the true value of money when swiping a card. When you actually have a cold $50 in your purse, you think twice about spending it. I might even decided to squeal it away for a little while. Did you see the TV commercial where every thing is going perfect, people spending money with credit cards, until a stupid person holds up the line to pay cash. Using a card doesn’t have the same effect as physically handing the money. When you do need to use that $50 your less likely to want break it for a pack of gum. How much would we save if we only paid in cash?

The Inside Scoop

And you might say "I can never find anything good". Yes, at a glance it can be overwhelming to see the amount of stuff at a thrift store. Racks of clothing and bins of toys can have some looking for the nearest fire exit. Giving the once over wont guarantee that you'll find anything but color and shapes . Take a second to look under and behind things and you'll be surprised . Finally check that bottom shelf, things get kicked back in there and it could be a real gold mind. Remember, giving up too soon Is your greatest mistake .

2007 Christmas Spending

Americans spending an average of $859 for gifts this year, down from $907 last year according to the survey on Christmas spending from the American Research Group, Inc. Top toys of the year are Fisher-Price I Can Play Guitar System $69.99, Dream Town Rose Petal Cottage $78.88 ,Puppy Grows And Knows Your Name Poodle $57.00. That is a lot of money. Considering that for many families the gifts are bought using credit cards. The fact is, family's will be paying for toys longer then children will be playing with them.

Year	Average Spending	Percent Change
2007	$859	- 5%
2006	$907	- 4%
2005	$942	- 6%
2004	$1,004	+ 3%
2003	$976	- 6%
2002	$1,037	-1%
2001	$1,052	+ 9%
2000	$968	+ 3%
1999	$939	+ 1%
1998	$928	+ 34%
1997	$692	+ 29%
1996	$535	- 23%

STOP WASTING YOUR MONEY

If you can't take another day blowing all your money at the Mall , you're ready to do some work. You can't keep throwing your money away each month on brand new items and expect to get anywhere. America has more stuff then it knows that to do with . Our homes are filled with things, and still we go buy more crap. The truth is you can't afford it. I am not saying give up shopping, Who doesn't like to shop. We're brainwashed to think we need to buy everything brand new, full price at a retail store. If you stop and think about how many people are looking to get rid of the very same item your looking for. It's time to roll up your sleeves and get dirty, The hunt is on!