The Chronic Consumer

Before the Christmas shopping season gets started in earnest on Black Friday next week, I just want to remind you all to spend responsibly. There’s no reason to go into debt at Christmastime. Your kids will still love you even if you can only afford to spend, say, $20 on toys instead of $200. So please don’t go out there and blow your mortgage payment, college fund, or home insurance premium on gifts that the recipient won’t even remember three months from now. It won’t be the end of the world if you don’t buy out Toys R Us for your kids. Trust me, they’ll survive!