MANY are now busy shopping for Christmas. While your wallet is loaded with your 13th month pay and Christmas bonus, refrain from spending beyond your budget.

* Be realistic. Be practical and realistic. You do not want to greet the New Year with an empty pocket. But do not also stress yourself with a very low budget.

* Do a list. Make a list and check it twice or thrice. Make sure that you buy only for your most nearest and dearest and don't shop for the sake of it. Don't feel under pressure to buy extravagant presents for your child's class teacher and the postman.

* Be careful about bargains. All vendors and malls are displaying their tag as “bargain”, “sale”, “bagsak-presyo” or “todo-diskwento.” Don’t be fooled by their trap, it will ruin your bonus. The truth is they jack-up their prizes before calling a “big sale.” Be careful also with 3-for-2 offers that make you buy more.

* You’re not a politician.  A very common mind-set of ordinary Pinoy is inviting the whole world to the point of getting salary loans just to please others. Without being a scrooge don't invite the whole family over for Christmas dinner. If you must have people around on Christmas Day invite them for some light cocktails or even better, accept their invites and you have saved yourself the cost of a whole Christmas dinner. Maybe you can meet half way by bringing the Christmas pud.

* Go on holiday. This is being practiced now by many especially those with dozens of “inaanak” – avoiding them to save from huge expenses.