Too many Americans usually go over board at Christmas time and purchase gifts that are way outside their budgets. This is mostly done to make your significant other happy, so you get them exactly what they want. These days kids make a killing, they get what they asked for and let me tell you these items are not cheap.

Standing in line for three days to purchase a new PlayStation 3 is just ludicrous, crazy! There is no way that I would pay $ 500 or $600 in a store for a video game. I am not going to purchase something for my kids that will raise my Credit Card bills. I just do not believe in this. There is no reason anyone should go bankrupt during this time of the year just to make someone else happy. It is a crock!

If you take your time and have your significant other make a list of items they want and ask them to keep the list in two parts:

1)What they would like to receive?
2)What they want or need?


I usually go with number 2 on this list. To me it's much more practical to purchase items off this list because you know that they will use these things. Buying something off of list number 1 usually is something like a ring that costs $$$ and something that you will be paying for over the next 6 months or so, paying interest on it at the same time

So be practical and don't break the bank when you buy Christmas gifts this season. I know that is the path that I am taking!