How To Have An All-Cash Christmas

Mary Hunt, cheapskate extraordinaire, dug her family out of some $100,000 in debt and now teaches others how to do the same. She's written a terrific book, Debt-Proof the Holidays, which teaches you how to avoid going in over your heads during the holidays. I predict the book will fly off bookshelves this year!

I absolutely love this book and want to share a short excerpt with you:

"One year I asked my family of DPL members at www.DebtProofLiving.com to tell me about their best Christmas gift ever. I got every kind of response you could possibly imagine. And they were as unique as the individuals who responded. Yet every response had a deep, emotional dimension: Spending time with family, welcoming a new family member, surprising loved ones with a visit, or receiving a treasured possession from a grandparent. What I learned (I’ll be sharing the responses in coming chapters) is that all of the trouble we put ourselves through to spend enough money to be money to be acceptable is often wasted. What really matters is rarely available for purchase in a store."

...Remember, it is not up to you to find the absolutely perfect gift that will fulfill the deepest heart’s desire of every person on your list. It’s not your responsibility to become a mind reader and dream fulfiller. The people on your list, as much as they love and adore you, probably don’t remember what you gave them last year. In the end it just doesn’t matter that much what presents you give, provided that your desired sentiment is conveyed."

If you haven't already started your holiday planning, get Mary's book, be sure to download our free Holiday Spending Worksheet. And check out an article we previously posted: 10 Tips for Holiday Spending.

Gerri Detweiler – Personal finance author and Credit Advisor for Credit.com. Gerri contributes budgeting, debt recovery and savings information online. She is also the co-author of Stop Debt Collectors: How to Protect Your Rights and Resolve Your Debts

Comments

[Mary Hunt, MoneyRulesDebtStinks.com]

Thanks for the great review, Gerri. Of the books I've written, I think Debt-Proof the Holidays remains my favorite.

I have a brand new gift idea to add at the next reprint. I'll give you a sneak peek on this gift basket idea: "Mary's Favorite Things" would be the title, only in your case you'd call it "Gerri's ...."

Now in a kind of Oprah-esque way, fill it with the things you love, and want to give people on your gift list. In my case of course I will include Salt. I can hear you laughing, but really truly I am a salt afficionado. And I have a special brand/type of salt that beats all: Real Salt from Salt Lake, Utah. Don't tell a soul that it's cheap (like $2 for a good sized-container, even less for a small one).

Everyone knows I'm nuts about Soilove (the world's best laundry stain treatment) because I talk about it all the time. And it's as cheap as $.99 for 16-oz., if you know where to get it.

Of course I would enclose a gel-ink pen (UniBall 207 Gel to be specific) that prevents check-writing fraud (a couple of bucks at the office supply). Are you getting the idea here? I got this clever idea from one of my readers. I think I'll add my favorite cookies, maybe candy too. And for sure home-roasted coffee beans (I really do roast my own coffee ... for fun and to save money, too.)

There is a lively discussion going on at www.MoneyRulesDebtStinks.com, in response to "Christmas: No Cash, No Plastic … Could You Do It?" Clearly, as difficult as that might sound, many could! I think you will enjoy the comments.

[Kim]

I have read this book and it is excellent. Full of great tips and wonderful inspiration.

[Gerri]

I love your ideas Mary, as much as your book. I have gotten so many good ideas from it already I can't wait to weigh in on the conversation and share how I have used them. I hope lots of our Creditbloggers readers will do the same. Happiest of holidays to you!