A More Affordable Holiday Season

By Chad Petri Reporter

consumer spending down, we look at alternative ideas for holiday shopping. A More Affordable Holiday Season

Published: Wed, November 26, 2008 - 5:01 pm Last Updated: Wed, November 26, 2008 - 5:06 pm

Chad Petri

Financial planner Bill Casey holds on to special things. He has a birthday card that is more than 50 years old.

“To let people know that you love them, that's the most valuable gift that somebody can give, is to love somebody,” says Casey. He says gifts of service, especially to the elderly, show that love--through time and not money.

“It means more to them than money can buy, you can give them $500 and it wouldn't mean as much as much as 30 minutes of your time,” says Casey. Aver at the Hands of Restoration in Prichard, organizers are getting ready for the holidays. Executive director (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)says "Open Angel Wings" is Prichard's first Christmas Day meal for the needy. They're still looking for volunteers she says it’s an excellent gift of service.

“It's okay to have your Christmas and your toys and you're sitting at home with your family, but this is a special day this is a day that you're giving to others,” says Lewis. Most people will inevitably buy gifts. Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Service Sandra Dunaway says you can increase your cash by getting your earned income tax credit now instead of at the end of the year, or increasing insurance deductibles. Families can make some bold decisions.

“A family can decide that adults aren't going to get Christmas presents this year and we're just going to focus on the children,” says Sandra. Over at Knot Just Beads in Mobile, three year-old Lilly Fail is learning how to make homemade gifts with mommy

“You get exactly what you want, instead of settling for something you find at the store you know it's good quality,” says Jewelry designer Nikki Fail.