I love to observe human behaviour! Especially how it affects our money habits… I see people worried about buying the perfect gift, and yet, they don’t do the little things that count for the people they love. How about taking out the garbage without asking? or just opening a door or carrying in groceries? Think about it… does money and material things replace those thoughtful and loving deeds? Don’t get me wrong… I am all for money, I believe it is a vehicle to help us on our journey to achieving our goals. However, money only makes you more of what you already are. It’s like people who attend a religious sermon on Sunday and then bash and are mean to people the other six days a week. So if you plan on replacing your affections or buying your affections with money it really doesn’t impress me at all!

I would rather the people in my life implement the Savings Santa Plan… that is what is the Holiday season is all about.

It’s all about saving SANTA: Spending Wisely, Activating Abundance, Needs vs Wants, Time and Acknowlegment and putting the heart back into the holiday season. My kids love getting gifts like all other kids and they understand that excess is “just excess”! Especially when they have to help sort, clean and purge all the stuff that has accumulated over the years. We focus on making the time together count and giving gratitude to those who have made a difference in our lives. Try writing an eulogy about someone you love… very powerful! Turn it into a letter of gratitude for them… what an awesome Christmas gift! Give more hugs all year round and tell those people in your life that matter “I love you” everyday… this is free and is the most rewarding experience.

check out CBC AM740 Radio today at 12:45 pm MST for some tips on credit… when is it time to teach your kids about it?

Did you catch me on CBC National News on Dec 12, 2008 “the Value of a Dollar” holiday segment?
http://www.cbc.ca/national/blog/special_feature/the_joy_of_spending_less/

Start looking at whether you react to money or do you direct money… the Holiday season is a great time to observe your spending patterns and if you are moved to spend when you don’t want to or don’t have the money… think about it. It’s all about the choices you make.