OK- this is a help forum, where we help to motivate each other to spend less and be financially responsible.

So here's my challenge:

For everyone going to the Target Christmas Clearance, especially as it goes to 75% off (maybe tomorrow?), I challenge you to make a list and stick to it. What is it exactly that you need on clearance?

Do you need more wrapping paper, bows or ribbons?
Do you need cards?
Do you need any more Christmas knick knack items for the door, the tree, the house?
Does your dh need another Christmas t-shirt that says: Regift responsibly?
Do you need another pair of holiday socks?

Are you going to buy what you need, or are you going to "surf shop"- toss anything interesting into your cart because it might make a great gift or because it's just such a great deal?

You know, we have a whole new year coming up, and there will be plenty of great sales going on in it- so do you need to walk into Target this week and come out $150 poorer? You probably just spent a bunch already on Christmas. Soon the credit card bills will be rolling in.

Get what you need, what is on your list, and skip the rest. If you are buying gifts for the year ahead, make yourself a log, an ongoing record of what you have and where you've stashed it. But first, look at what you still have in your stash from past purchases. Are you going out to buy more when you still have stuff in your stash?

I say all this because I went a little crazy in the sales last year (before I admitted I was a Target addict). I have enough wrapping paper for about five years, enough bows for the same, and still so many toys in my stash that I can probably go all of 2007 without buying any more. Cleaning up after Christmas I "found" a lot of stuff that I forgot I had even bought and tucked away! I was so mad at myself.

I have two things on my list: page-a-day calendar (if there are any left) and purple wrapping paper (for a project I'm doing with the kids. Purple seems to have been a hot holiday color this year.)

So- what is on your list?

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

Well, I bought a few things today from Target and Wal-mart. Target (50% still), I got washcloths ($2), a kitchen towel (.99) for my mom's stocking. Walmart(50% as well)- I got pjs ($5- for my mom), a new tree skirt ($10), a play makeup set for youngest ($3) and a bathset for my oldest ($3) and a soft fleece blanket ($3). All are gifts for people in my family- I am doing a spread sheet on them after I can breakaway from the forums (my addiction!)- I am going to buy a larger tote box specifically for presents and go through whatever extra things I have laying around. I am trying to simlify my buying!

The things I am kind of looking to get at 75% is: just like you a calendar, a prelit tree (from Target), pj's for the girls for next years Christmas and possibly more stocking stuffers for my mom, dh and my girls. Oh yes- gloves and hats too- we always geet a new set for Christmas!

Fortunately, I really don't need anything. If I happen to stumble onto a great deal on wrapping paper I might pick up a roll, but it's not an urgent need. As long as the wrapping paper looks Christmas-y and not hideous, I really don't care what it looks like; it's just going to be ripped up and thrown in the trash anyway. If I can't find anything, oh well -- the Dollar Store usually carries rolls of wrapping paper at Christmastime. I'll just pick up a roll there next Christmas if I run out.

I had no desire to go to any stores... but when my hairdryer died I was forced into a Walmart. I only bought a couple things (toys on clearance for future birthdays), and really had no urge to spend, which is strange for me. Maybe my spending problem has been cured?!! (yeah right!)

Like you, I found things I had stashed away last year. I found some things too late to even use them That's my clue that I have too much to keep track of!

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"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss

I went to Target last night and I was so proud of myself!!! I was looking for things for my youngest 2 for their birthdays in March and April. I got a Leap Frog Phonics Railroad for $25 (marked down from $50) for my littelist one and a science kit for $10 (also half price) for my almost 7 yr old. I picked up a small bionicle and a Leggo exoforce for my gift tub (to use for presents and stuff) I also got a wedding gift (baking pan and wooden spoons) a wedding card, conditioner, a case of water, a 12 pk of pop, AAA batteries and a 7pk of boys underwear (an awsome deal, 7 prs Hanes underwear for $3.99) and I only spent $75!!! I looked at some Pokemon figures and almost got some because they were a dollar something, but then I thought about all the boxes of little crap like that we have at home and put them back. I almost bought myself a shirt that was $3.98 then I remembered the big box of clothes I just cleaned out of my closet waiting to go to goodwill. So, yeah, I did good!!!!!!

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~Happiness is a large family~

ok i went to target(wich i don't normally do but i had gift cards) i got the my little pony walking pony normal price $25.00 for $6.23 yep under 7 bucks i bought 3 of them one for each of my 2 nieces for b-day presents and one for dd for next christmas..so for 18 bucks i got 3 presents then i got my other niece the baby bratz bride and groom set for $4.98 for her b-day then i got my 2 nephews these skate launcher things 75% off for 2.98 so i only have to get one more b-day present for my gonna be one year old nephew and all my b-day gifts for my nieces and nephews are done and it did not cost me a thing i used my gift cards....so i think i did well...now i have to start my watching for good clearance items for next years christmas i have already put the money on a visa gift card so when i stumble across something it won't take away from my bill money.

I am going to Target for the 90% off and won't be going any sooner!
I actually do need wrapping paper and cards, etc. I used up my stockpile this year so I need to get some for next year. Other than that I am going to try and be very good. Only get those things I am out of and will definitely use.
I am also going to look for a great sale on some things for my sister whose birthday is in Jan and my neices who both have b-days in Feb

My target nevr even gets to 75% off. I used to wait and then realized they got rid of it b4 that. this is just since reopening as a Super Target.

allgirls

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time

The two Targets near me are still at 75% but there is really nothing left in the holiday area. Yesterday I bought a bunch of wrapping paper, gift boxes, bows etc Today, lots of boxes left but no paper and a much smaller amt of bows. Last year I was able to get a lot of stuff at 90% off but this year it's really picked over.

I think I did very well controlling myself at Target today. I got only things basicly that I will use. Everything was marked down to 90% and I was there at 7:45 this morning.....just that is impressive itself!:D

I got x-mas t-shirts for dd for next year ( 4 for .50 ea.) they are normally 5.00.

I bought x-mas socks (8 for .39) normally 3.99.

I got more kissables hershey chocolate...(15 bags for .27 ea.) normally at least close to 3.00 a bag I am sure. Those I'm sure I can figure out something to do with considering I have 25 bags of them now! I got 10 bags free yesterday with the target coupons.

I did kind splurge on the snowman mugs, normally 3.99...got 4 for .39 ea. and the snowman matching dispenser for 2.40....normally like 15.00. I will use it next year it was too cute to pass up.

Large bows 3 for .69...normally 6.00.

Along with that I got lunch meat and grapes practically free with target coupons.

All in all I think I did awesome.

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Heather
Mom to three dd 14, ds 8, dd 4