Before You Go Holiday Shopping...

Let's see...you went to Trader Joe's recently, saw an abundance of pumpkin products and realized
the holidays were near, right?  Even though it's only mid-September, the retailers are looking to hook us working folk in with their food, gadgets, and anything else for that WOW appeal (like the holiday hybrid tree above).  And that's your cue to fire up that credit card...or NOT.

Maybe you had a good freelancing year and still gushing at the offers you probably received from referrals and project extensions.  If this wasn't a great freelancing year and your plastic outnumbers cash in terms of dollar amounts, why not splurge?  Either way, don't give in before speaking to a professional that can help manage credit issues.

In our business, the safe spots are few and far between.  It doesn't help to just have a cushion or mad money account stashed in a sock.  The days between clients, product management, advertising and promotions (and let's not forget rest) can merge together as a single 480 (as in 24 hours times 20 days) -hour blur.  By the time you come out of it and decide it's time to chill with a stack of homemade pancakes, your social media account is calling.

Even if you don't have money problems today, sometimes getting comfortable with existing debt can be a nuisance.  College loans are probably at the top of the list but finding out where a person really stands can make a difference in how they pay bills every month. I'm not saying try to get around your financial obligations but apply your good fortune to your future...and not something likely to be re-gifted!

Also, think about whether you really need to BUY everyone a gift this holiday. If you're not a DIY person, try something simple.  Like when you're visiting someone, bring a couple of bottles of flavored apple cider or French lemonade instead of wine.  Baking cookies and placing inside a decorative tin or casing is easier than dealing with holiday traffic.  A collection of your poems printed on heavy colores cardstock will resonate with the right person.

The possibilities are endless so it can't hurt to plan for something other than a strategy for navigating mall crowds.