Money Mantra #11: Quit While You're Ahead

Repeat after me: I will not do any last minute shopping. I will not do any last minute shopping. I will not do any ... Got it? Remember that holiday gift list that you carefully created and pledged to stick to? Ah, yes, that one. It is ok to "quit while you're ahead". After all, how many of those last minute, add-on gifts end up being favorites? Be happy with the gifts that you've chosen, give them with a loving heart, and focus the other magical parts of the holidays. And those after Christmas sales? Avoid the impulse buys. Only get things you really need and will use up in one more Christmas season. Otherwise, stay home, brew some coffee and curl up with the See's Bridge Mix. After all, New Year's resolutions are right around the corner.