news of a 'new bug' threatening to spread like wildfires....

**JanieD** · 11-16-2009, 04:00 PM

I think some generally see this time of the year as a free pass. I mean with the holidays almost here, no one wants to be a scoorge. Not sure if this is the reason the bug is spreading?

I have several on my list have hit a rough patch & I'm reconsidering my gift budget. However, I can't see a shopping spree in my future. Honestly, I'm surprised by the number of shopper out since our state has high unemployment rates.

**Luckybustert** · 11-20-2009, 12:56 AM

I don't want to be a Scrooge, but I also don't want to still be paying for this year's gifts come this time next year (and that's pretty much the way it would have to be if I were to get bit by this bug).

**rebecca** · 11-20-2009, 06:09 AM

When I get the urge to splur I remember I want to pay off my mortgage in five years!

**sabrelvssammy** · 11-20-2009, 10:14 AM

i have a friend that drives a truck for UPS....has for 20+yrs...
she told me last night that usually the 'jumpers' (they are the people that UPS brings on throughout the holidays to assist the drivers coz they are so overloaded with all the holiday packaging)...

anyway... the jumpers in a 'busy' year started the day after thanksgiving riding with the drivers (sometimes later in 'slower' years)...this year...they started them this past monday coz the drivers were already completely overwhelmed with too many packages.....

somebody is out there buying.......(and alot from the sounds of it).....

**Emjo** · 11-20-2009, 03:17 PM

I don't think the bug is going to hit here...I'm satisfied buying a few treats at the grocery store and hitting the discount movie theatre.

Buying big items that aren't in the budget just makes me feel queasy and flustered. Besides, I want a house so bad I don't want to mess with the downpayment we're saving!

**Anythingispossible** · 11-20-2009, 04:27 PM

Help ladies I have started christmas shopping! Hold me back!

**HandyMom** · 11-20-2009, 07:26 PM

When I feel the urge to splurge I head straight for the Goodwill store and look for things I need first and then things I like. I can't do half the amount of damage at Goodwill that I would do at Walmart or the mall. Cures my urge everytime!!

**sabrelvssammy** · 11-21-2009, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by HandyMom

When I feel the urge to splurge I head straight for the Goodwill store and look for things I need first and then things I like. I can't do half the amount of damage at Goodwill that I would do at Walmart or the mall. Cures my urge everytime!!

that's a great idea and i kinda do the same thing with food...when i need out of the house i will run and check the 'clearanced areas' of the local groceries...then if i still haven't gotten my fill i head to big-lots and i make a bee-line for the clearance rack- (the food clearance rack)...then hit the pet aisle (always looking for kitty treats on the cheap)....then i make a bee-line for the register if i have found any super deals or straight for the door if i got nothing... i am no longer lingering...lingering for me can be dangerous.....there is a goodwill right next to big lots and i have to steer myself away when i am there because quite frankly...if i can't eat it or wash my hair with it...i don't need it at the moment....so avoid the temptation....

all the x-mas shopping is done...i have no reason to be wandering around any stores....(not until after x-mas...so i can get next years over with...i may eventually just start switching to gift cards in the future anyway-its getting so hard to find good quality things that i know the recipients are going to need and use).....

this year i have started watching tv more for entertainment than shopping...while i am not a huge fan of being glued to the tv i have started rationalizing with myself that i might as well watch the thing...we pay for a cable package..we have a huge tv....it keeps me home and saving money (not only on purchases but gas and wear on the car)....and besides i can multi-task while doing it...(playing on puter, lifting my handweights, reading the paper, making jewelry)...
and the programs that i watch are usually found on the 'learning channels' instead of the mindless crap that is all over the thing these days....sometimes i DO learn a thing or two in the process...weehee....

**sabrelvssammy** · 11-30-2009, 05:24 PM

well the reports are in and the 4 day 'blk friday' weekend is considered 'just marginaly' better than last year...traffic count was way up with more shoppers but spending less per person....

they say that the super deals that we saw last year will be limited as the retailers learned a hard lesson and have not overstocked the shelves this time....so expect more empty shelves as we get closer to the actual holiday....(don't panic...there will always be enough 'junk' to go around)....

not a good sign for the retailers but for the 90% of people that still have jobs...at least they are still trying to save/pay down debt, etc...) and they said more cash was used this year than seen since they have begun 'keeping score'.....

but all this is just one stations take on it (CNBC)...it will be interesting on how the other media outlets report it all.....

all in all....good for the restraint of the individuals....bad news for those working in those industries....

for myself...they haven't gotten a dime from me since last january's sales...so i guess i am 'part of the problem'.....sorry....

how's everyone else faring ???