Christmas is right around the corner, and we all want to be able to buy everything on the wish list.
But parents can dig themselves into a hole of debt trying to do this.
While you're out checking off items on that Christmas list, there are a few things you'll need to make sure to do.
Christmas is a time of giving.
"This was one of the things I was looking for, she wanted Pinkalicious," said Christmas shopper Barb Carlin.
Unlike many people, Barb Carlin is already almost finished with her Christmas shopping.
"I'm almost done, I'm getting down to the last couple ones," said Carlin.
But for Barb, being done with holiday shopping isn't about beating the large crowds.
"I can't buy everything at once, I never could afford that so every payday I try and pick up something for somebody," said Carlin.
Like many parent's gift giving can put you in a financial bind, that's not so easy to get out of.
"If this kid wants an iPad, ok now we've got to come up with 400 dollars for this child you know, balance it out and then 400 dollars times four," said Christmas shopper Karen McMullen.
But Financial Adviser Jeff McClure said, no need to stress, there's a way of handling it.
"I think it's very important to say here's how much we're going to spend, and we might also look at the people we're going to by things for, and say here's kind of what I'm going to spend on each of these people," said McClure.
And once you get that list, stick with it.
Also be cautious with online shopping.
"It's a lot easier to go to Amazon and do one click," said McClure.
But keep an eye out for shipping and extra online charges that could be tacked on.
"We usually just give the kids a price range, if they want something big, or if they want a few small things," said McMullen.
Sticking to a budget can be challenging and it takes extra time.
But it will help keep you out of debt down the road.
Being a savvy shopper, doesn't only make Barb happy, but also her family.
"I've tried to get at least one thing that each of them wanted," said Carlin.
