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Decorations put us in the mood to celebrate the holidays.  When the house is filled with bright sparkling lights, scented candles, wreaths at the door, and an ornamented Christmas tree, we believe that the season has arrived.

For some, it isn’t truly Christmas without a real tree.  An artificial tree is just as good and will last for many years if it is a good quality tree.  Both are good options for the family.

When it comes to decorating a home and a Christmas tree, advertisers do their job quite well.  Already, our hands are itching to purchase every shiny bulb we see.  But, when they introduce the next big thing or an entire complement of ornaments to fully decorate the tree, we are hooked.

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In all honesty, I don’t trust myself never to touch any savings I start for my youngster’s college education. Isn’t an endowment policy the answer for someone like me?

answer:
Frankly, endowment policies are hardly the answer for anyone. The big sell will have you believe that they are great for education planning (it’s that “forced savings” sales talk again), but be wary. Remember that an endowment is simply an ordinary life insurance policy that you pay off in a fixed period, usually 15 or 20 years. Even if you start a 20-year endowment when the first squall comes from the cradle, you won’t have cash-in-hand at the start of college. It’s an expensive way to save, too, because interest rates are among the lowest there are, and premiums are comparatively high. Endowment policies also give scanty life insurance protection.

If you still resort to insurance “forced savings”, it makes sense to add an “endorsement” to your policy for a small additional charge. Then, if you die or become too disabled to work, the cash value won’t be lost. You won’t have to pay any more premiums, but your beneficiary will still collect when the policy comes due.

We would like to put our children through college, but before we start making plans for financing them, I’d like to know if their chances of a college education are good in US.

answer:
This high college entry rate often represents great sacrifice on the part of parents. More and more parents, it seems, take it as a matter of course that their children must have a university education, and plan family goals in that light. However, some youngsters don’t in the least want more schooling—and, perhaps, would be happier going directly to work, or taking a short technical or vocational course, right after high school. Shouldn’t you think about the possibility of not sending your children to college? If, for example, your son is dead set on being a policeman, or your daughter wants only to be a forest ranger, then they don’t need classes in mid-18th-century French literature. Don’t force such youngsters to go to college—it will only make them miserable for four years of their lives. Of course, you must be as sure as you can that they are settled in their decision; but even if they have second thoughts later, all is not lost. Since the post-World War II years of heavy enrollment by mature veterans, it’s a common sight to see older students enter college as freshmen.

It represents one of our favorite times of the year.  During the holidays, people travel quite a bit to see friends and family.  They also shower each other with gifts befitting the season.  That can add up to a significant amount of money.

Now, let’s revisit the gift situation for a moment.  What is a gift befitting the holiday season? First of all, it would be a gift that we could afford to give to those special people in our lives.  Each year people go into debt buying gifts for loved ones.

At the end of the holiday season we promise ourselves that we won’t do it again….until the next year.  Could it be that we are trying to “keep up with the Jones’s?” or, we don’t want to look like cheapskates compared to Aunt So and So or Uncle Richie Rich.

It takes us several months to settle the credit card bills created the previous year.  This is a vicious cycle that only leaves us dreading the season that normally fills us with love and cheer.  This time around, keep that promise to make the season bright not by going into hock but by using some sensible tips and advice to plan a joyous holiday that everyone can be proud to share in.

In this report we will be referring to the holiday season as that of Christmas.  Thanksgiving is considered a part of the holidays since it is only a month before Christmas and the biggest shopping day of the year.  But, the majority of the money is spent in preparation for December 25th.  In this Holiday tipping guide report we will discuss managing your money as it relates to:

* Before the holidays
* Holiday decorations
* Holiday food
* Holiday Gifts

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Do you find yourself worrying about holiday debt and it’s not even the holidays anymore? Creative Ways to Eliminate Holiday Debt is a surefire way of starting off on the right step with the holiday season.

That feeling of overwhelming stress can actually give you panic attacks, depression and even upset your marriage. No one wants that in their life. The holidays are to be filled with joy, not anxiety. This book will not only help you with getting out and staying out of holiday debt, but it can help you have a stress-free, peaceful life that you deserve to have.

Creative Ways to Eliminate Holiday Debt will help you face the hard facts of just how much debt you are in, how much you truly owe, and how to start working towards paying it off. With the easy step-by-step guide that Kris Roop gives you in this book, you’ll be paying off your debt and keeping it at bay in no time.

In this guide you will discover:

• How do we get into holiday debt in the first place?
• How to create a budget
• Tips on saving money and finding new money
• Strategies for dealing with the credit card companies, such as finding the best interest rate
• Creative ways to keep holiday debt from coming back
• Much, much more!

Studies show that about 19% of American homeowners owe more than $100,000 and about 43% of American families spend more than they earn. Start facing your debts, find a plan, and take action with The Creative Ways to Eliminate Holiday Debt guide.

Each year, more people go into debt with their holiday spending.  It isn’t just the gifts, but the decorations and meals as well. Everyone wants to have a memorable holiday and make it special for all involved, but you don’t have to spend a lot to do so.  There are many ways to have a wonderful holiday without breaking the bank.  In Mary Hunt’s Debt Proof Your Holidays, she shares great tips for not only saving money, but having a delightful holiday with your family and friends.

Gifts: When it comes to gift giving, people tend to go overboard thinking they have to spend more to prove they care more.  This simply isn’t the case.  Make changes as a family, and it will help everyone spend less.

Make gifts instead of buying them – A handmade gift or card always means more.

Do no use credit cards – There are ways to purchase larger gifts and still avoiding the credit card trap.

Creative gift wrapping - Instead of store bought paper and ribbons, make your own.

Decorating: There are many simple things that can be done to create a festive mood around the house. Making your own decorations or finding a good sale are only the beginning.

Use things you already have around the house.
Don’t buy all new decorations each year.
If you have to have “new” things, buy them at after holiday sales.

Meals: Holidays and meals seem to go hand in hand with most families.  In addition to overeating, we tend to overspend so create simple recipes and show within your budget.

Mary Hunt’s sense of humor, combined with her money saving tips, make this book a sure winner and a big help to those wanting to save money and still enjoy their holiday season.

Use your account regularly, for the best reasons, and when you reach its limit, exceed it slightly. You will then be hauled in front of the expense tribunal, at which you say, “I’m sorry, but my trip to Seattle brought in all kinds of new business. Perhaps I’ll stay home next time.” You will receive glares, murmered admonishments, and the clearance to continue your slightly aggressive ways. Next month, exceed it by even more. The accounting gods will soon learn that the only way to soothe your jabs is to expand what’s permissible to you. Chances are you’ll also get a promotion to justify this decision. Congratulations!