Early Bird Holiday Shopping

Halloween may just be around the corner, and in today's world you know what that means.

Stores are already decking their halls, preparing for Christmas.

And many of you told us that you're already shopping and some of you are already done.

The upcoming holidays have our wallets extra light.

Whether you started shopping yet or not, consumer experts say it's a good idea to make a budget that includes more than just gifts.

Susie Cirkle is a grandma who is already stocking up for Christmas.

"We always do it early so we can relax in December," said Cirkle.

"Just to get an early start, I like to get done a couple weeks before Christmas anyways," said grandma Judy Bolton.

Susie and Judy are shopping for their grand-kids. They say they shop early for the selection, and when it comes to spending, they don't keep a budget in mind.

"Usually if it's on sale, we'll buy it, and if not, we try to look around to get the best price," said Cirkle.

"Decide how much you can spend. And then plan out your expenses. That way you can ingest if what you would like to spend is more than what you can afford," said Karen Poff.

Poff is a senior extension agent of Family and Consumer Sciences for the Virginia Cooperative Extension. She says you should be budgeting for more than just gifts and shopping.

"Write down everything. From cards to postage to entertaining costs. Travel costs if you're going away. All of those things increase the cost during the holidays," said Poff.

Yet these grandmas are certainly planning ahead and are determined to get their grand-kids exactly what they want this Christmas.

"My three-year-old grand-daughter, who will be turning four next month. And she's a Disney Princess. So she wants Disney so that's what I'm looking for today," said Cirkle.

Studies show that during the holidays families spend between one and five percent of their annual income on gifts, entertaining and traveling.

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Source: http://www.tv3winchester.com/home/headlines/Early-Bird-Holiday-Shopping-174318751.html

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