82 replies to this topic

[Tara3117]

I usually bring about $700 or so with me. I like to do all of my Christmas shopping in cash and not have to worry about it. I usually don't bring my purse, just a sweatshirt with pockets and a vest. I keep my shopping money in a bank envelope and zip it in my vest pocket. I keep my debit card and my AMEX on me in case I see something for me and those other incidentals like breakfast and whatever. Then I bring my Macy's and Old Navy cards for those special deals for cardholders. I haven't had any problems or lost anything, but I'm also crazy-pocket-checker-girl, so I guess that's why!

[KrystalMae1231]

I wouldn't carry more than $100 in cash on you. I would def only carry plastic. I have budgeted $2500 for this year, I spent 1800 last year by 9am. but I got my TV and my laptop and my Wii with about 7 games.....oh and I did get like 300 in rebates back off of that, so I dont' think I did tooo incredibly bad

[wx4svr]

$2000... I wish I could stay under that! I usually spend around $3500-$4000 on BF Alone... not including the other presents throughout the year. lol.

[Netter40]

my budget is cut down some this year. Had a couple of big expenses this past couple of months. 2 new tires, new roof, new garage door, and daughter got married. Hope nothing else happens.

[elicia423126]

I usually bring $500 in cash with me and my Macy's card. So far I haven't had any problems with bringing cash but starting to question myself on this.

[JohnnyLaRue]

Gosh I dunno. I take a vacation every year (was too busy this year to do it earlier!) and planned on Europe the last two weeks of December. Thus affecting my BF spending budget. Though my budget is dictated by the ads/sales.

[Smalllady61]

This year I am going to bring two prepiad card ($500 on each card) and maybe $2000 in cash since I am not sure on what I want, I always have to be prepared to get whatever I want without worrying about money.

[iloveblkfriday]

500. unless hubby wants something big!

[LainieB]

I have $400 saved. I usually like to shop with cash but on BF I use credit cards. It's so much easier and safer. I just pay them off asap.

[Venusaur]

Unless you have trouble keeping up with credit card payments, I dont understand why you would use anything except CC to pay for most anything.

[annabell2007]

I redeem my CC rewards in the form of gift cards. I place the amount I can spend on each family member in an envelope; this way I can stay on budget and I don't need to carry cash around.

[plmarquis]

Last year I tried to be good and only brought $700 cash, and it was gone by like 10 a.m. I had already bought their Wii and a few other things but still ended up having to use my debit card. I'll most likely try to take $1,000 with me this year.

[KrystalMae1231]

I redeem my CC rewards in the form of gift cards. I place the amount I can spend on each family member in an envelope; this way I can stay on budget and I don't need to carry cash around.

That is a great idea!!! Thanks for that!!!

[jakesmommy403]

I do bring some cash with me, usually $300-$500, but I also have my debit card with me just in case. I like to deal mostly in cash because you never know if credit card machines are going to have problems, but I'm also not comfortable carrying a large amount of money on me. I keep it in my wallet, which is zipped, in a zippered inside part of my purse, and then zip up the outside of my purse as well. By the time someone gets to my wallet, I'll notice! lol

[jarerice]

I'm bringing arounnd 750.00 this year, but I have a lot to buy still.

[Mikesgirl]

I am taking around $1250. and I am done except for DH and my mom.

[theboyzmom]

I remember one year the credit card machines were not working at Walmart!!!! OMG it was horrible I also redeemed my credit card points for gift cards, although I like the idea of dividing them up for how much to spend on each person something else I started, although way too late for this year, when I redeem my returnable bottles and cans (I know not all states do this), I get the money put on a gift card and I just keep reloading that gift card....I am starting now for next year and plan on using that gift card for BF next year...like a tiny Christmas fund

[Bigbroad55]

My budget is down this year sine well be in Disney for Thanksgiving, Hubby is supposed to get a bonus on that check or the next. Well have to see how th emoney goes. I may end up buying a 100.00 prepaid visa just for that day.

[BCBGirl]

Debit card.. I never ever have cash on me.

[arci122]

Not much for cash, but the real question is, how many airtime minutes are you bringing? Remember, it's considered a weekday. I know we use the cell phones a lot that day to communicate with one another.

[mcwalker]

In addition to being safer than cash, some credit cards (especially AmEx) have buyer protection features that are a good feature. I NEVER buy an extended warranty on anything (even if I didn't have such a card).

[mcwalker]

In addition to being safer than cash, some credit cards (especially AmEx) have buyer protection features that are a good benefit (even if you rarely or never use them). I NEVER buy an extended warranty on anything (even if I didn't have such a card).

[proloz]

I live in a low crime, rural area and I always just use cash. I just prefer it. This year I won't be taking as much money, I already have 342 presents bought. Just need to finish up my DH....Probably have about $400 and my debit card for back up just in case. But I never use it. LOL