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Health & Fitness

Put Down the Credit Card!

Need help navigating the deals and steals this holiday season? I've got some tips for you!

Put down the credit card? My husband would laugh hysterically at the idea that I'm proposing this to anyone! But this holiday season, when there is a deal (or 20) a day, it's very easy to get caught up in "limited time offer" syndrome. I'm constantly inundated with emails and posts for items that are at rock bottom, fantastic prices.

And the kicker is that they REALLY are amazing deals. But, I have to remind myself that I'm not saving money by buying that amazing leather jacket at 75 percent off because I had NO intention of buying a leather jacket. Sounds simple but you might be amazed how hard that is to remember at the time.

Here are my tips for navigating the sales and saving yourself some money this holiday season:

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1. Make a list and check it twice. Write down your holiday list as well as any items that you need right now to add to your wardrobe. I keep a running list throughout the year of clothing items that would round out my closet and give myself permission to pick those up when there is a great sale.

2. Stop storing your credit card information on the website! Not for security reasons but because if you have to physically get up, get your wallet and type in those numbers instead of just clicking complete order, you might decide that you really don't need it after all.

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3. Can't resist the emails that pop into your inbox? Instead try going to a site like slickdeals.net. It's free to sign up and you can set up alerts to let you know when the item of your choice is on sale. Trust me, the posters on that site know more about what is a deal and what isn't than anyone on the planet. That way you can just focus on saving on the items that are on your list.

4. Last but not least, earn it! As a Star Stylist for Stella & Dot, I have helped countless people lighten their load by opening up their home to me and inviting their friends to shop. When you get free jewelry to give as gifts, that opens up a lot of room in your budget that you can spend on other gifts or just keep in your wallet.

Some have been known to just keep all of the gorgeous jewelry and handbags themselves, but we won't talk about those people right now. You know who you are....

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