The season is upon us and FOS has got you covered on the latest trends, where to get them and more importantly how to ensure that you don’t end up at a party only to find you have a fashion twin! BUT before you go crazy spending what you really don’t have, maxing out all credit cards to crash and burn in January, I’m here to help you with sticking to your budget this year. This season is VERY commercialized and we’re tempted at every corner we turn to spend our money on all things glitzy and glamorous, from holiday candles and dancing santas to glittery pumps and matching clutches. I’ve got your back though, and together we’ll fight the urge to spend it all and come out on top this season with enough money to buy gas in January! (and with gas at these prices that’s a challenge in itself)

I’m no financial expert, so I combed the blogosphere to bring you the best advice from financial experts who know their stuff. Get Rich Slowly has become a favorite of mine for picking up good financial habits and they guided me to some other websites who posted about holiday spending tips. All Financial Matters reminded us to actually look at the price tags of what we’re buying, cus you KNOW that some of these stores mark up certain items for the season and often there are quite good substitutes on the shelf somewhere to the back or maybe to the bottom, that costs much less. They also reminded u to avoid items marketed for the season as "you may be tempted by the glittery holiday candles, but you can get regular red and green candles for much less and will your display suffer? I think not." I agree!

The Mighty Bargain Hunter encourages you to make your budget and prioritize now. A plan is always good to have and if you hit the malls this year with no clue as to who exactly is on your shopping list and at least an idea of what to get them, then you’re in big trouble! you’ll go on a long-winded impulse shopping spree often forgetting some people and buying things for some that were much lower on your list. Bottom line, you’ll break you’re budget. I also liked this tip that they had, some of us can definitely do this one and maybe some of us can do both:

"Ask yourself if you really need any more stuff. This is an extreme take on holiday shopping but the holidays are a great time to go on a missions trip or to donate your time to less fortunate folks. Use what money you would have spent to help others. This has many benefits, one of which is that you end up staying well away from the stores."

My personal tips?

• Remember to put everything on your budget, not only names and gifts.
  
• Factor in the parties you’re planning on attending and the cost for each ticket.
  
• Plan an outfit for each party and event now so you can see what is missing and what you’ll want to buy.
• Do the bulk of your gift buying now. It saves time and money, you’ll be saving yourself from the crazy Christmas crowds and overpricing.
  
• Most of us will be getting a bonus, PUT IT IN SAVING! Your bonus is not for blowing on Christmas, its only a couple of weeks! Try to put at least half of it in some kind of savings or towards some longtime debt you may have or prepay some of your January bills. Do something with it other than shopping, you’ll need the extra cash in January.

Get dressed in holiday style with designer dresses from the fashion bug site! If you’d like burberry style dresses, you’ll find them at this site. For those with a rich business sense style, shop from mexx and you’ll find fabulous business outfits. For the preppy girl, juicy couture should be your first and last stop. A must have this season in shoes is platform sandals from aldo for holiday get togethers. Designer women’s bras are all 40% off. Get yourself a 10% discount with any purchase of a nautica sports bra .

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