DON'T DO IT RESIST THE TEMPTATION AND IT WILL PASS

I am talking about the urge and the persistent push by various retailers to get you to go out and spend more money than you can afford or that you were planning on spending. Failure to heed this warning will produce PHS SYNDROME or Post Holiday Shock which can plague you for months after-wards

DON'T GET SWEPT UP

There is nothing you need. You have everything necessary. Think about this. There will be music, advertisements, discounts, invitations to buy one get one free, the latest greatest, hurry sale ends and all the rest of the hypnotic gestures that accompany the holiday seasons. They will not relent

SPEND IF YOU HAVE TO

I am not against spending. However, with high unemployment, falling house prices, increased foreclosure activity and lack of good leadership, projected increases in services, gasoline and taxes.... perhaps a timely "time-out" is in order for most of us. Buy what you need only.

REMEMBER THE BUY AND REFI NOW RECENT WAIVE?

I cannot help but think how different things would be for hundreds of thousands of people who would have successfully resisted the movement to buy and/or refinance their homes with little or no qualifications. The campaign to buy and refi NOW would have failed at large allowing for different outcomes today no doubt

THE URGE TO SPLURGE

The urge to splurge comes both subtle and strongly. It is no respecter of persons either. You will have doubt, hesitation and finally a "what the heck" moment followed with "you only live once and why not" questionable reasoning. You give in and your holiday goose is cooked

GIVE CREATIVELY

If you must give anything, try home baked goods, volunteering your time, or the gift of sitting this one out to yourself. For those with kids, the episode takes on a guilt inducing dynamic. A quick outing to the beach, park, lake or a visit to friends or community centers will off set this.

IF IT GETS YOU...THE LAST RESORT

If you must spend money for any reason, only cash and what is in your pocket. Hold whatever it is  you are considering and pause. Let reality kick in to replace your thinking and emotions. After that, if you do move forward...do not charge or borrow to get through the holidays. Say NO to Post Holiday Shock and yes to your common sense and well being

Happy Holidays