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While it is true that Halloween is not even here yet, it is also true that I am deep into my planning for Holiday shopping. I have promised myself that I would not be one of those last minute, can’t find anything I like for someone, shoppers that I always end up being. I want to get it done, get it done early, get the best stuff and actually enjoy the holiday season! SO I have come up with 4 Tips to Jump Start Your Holiday Shopping that we all can benefit from! Thankfully one of my favorite stores is lending a hand and helping me out with amazing prices on everything from appliances to home decor! SEARS is all about rewarding the early planner with a Shop Your Way Members special event OCTOBER 16, 2016 from 6pm – 9pm IN STORE ONLY! Now, before you are all like, ‘But the prices will go down right before the holiday and I will lose out!‘, listen to THIS!!

Sears is introducing the Sears Holiday Guarantee: When you shop in-store during the Sears Member Bonus Event on Oct. 16, if any item purchased goes lower in the same store between that night and Dec. 24, Sears will automatically credit you the difference back in points, up to a maximum of $100 in points per member.* That includes Black Friday doorbuster pricing! [*Points awarded 1/16/17]

Now that is just COOL! I mean, you can shop early for quality products at great prices anyway but then also earn the credit if prices do go lower? Just learning that has motivated me to shop until I drop before I carve the pumpkin!

Now that I have a plan, I need to execute and make sure I stick to it. So I have come up with 4 Tips to Jump Start Your Holiday Shopping and to make it all go smoothly!

Make a List

Yes, yes. We all hear that we need to make a list and check it twice. But this year I am making lists per gender and per age. How many times have you been in the clothing section looking for the perfect present for junior only to realize that down the list you needed something for your nephew too? By then, though, you have moved on and have to circle back!

So my list is broken into 6 groups. Girls under 10, girls over 10, adult women, boys under 10, boys over 10 and adult men! That way if I find that perfect throw pillow for my mom that I know my sister will like too, I can get them at the same time since they will be next to each other on the list! It really should cut down on, ‘Oh I forgot about my daughter’s friend down the street!’ as I am checking out!

Shop Early Sales Events

Yep, you knew I was going to drive this amazing event home! Sears has everything you need for everyone. Want a new fridge for yourself, that is on MY holiday list? Need some holiday decor for indoors and out? Need dresses for the kids for holiday card photos? You can get it ALL at Sears!

That tool belt dad wants. That gas trimmer your husband wants. It is all on sale and at the lowest prices of the season at Sears October 16, 2016 from 6pm – 9pm in store. Sign up now for Shop Your Way, a FREE social shopping destination and rewards program offering millions of products, personalized services, and advice! You have to be a member to shop! It is fast and easy and you earn points towards more purchases later on!

That plus the Holiday Guarantee mentioned above makes this event a must attend!

Hammer Out the Budget NOW

Knowing your budget now means not paying a lot of debt to start 2017. It is SO hard not to overspend during the holiday season. But hitting the great sales NOW and knowing your budget during the time when things are just now getting festive will take that pressure to purchase off your shoulders and keep you more in tuned to what you really can afford.

Reward Yourself

As mentioned above, the holiday season can really get us in the mood to spend. By shopping early we can avoid overspending when the lights are twinkling and the holiday music is chiming. By shopping for the big stuff early you can avoid the rush to buy no matter the price later. In your budget, reward yourself for not making excessive purchases on a whim and for completing your shopping early. Get a pedicure and know that your shopping is done and the money you saved is being well spent on you!

Any way you slice it, shopping early can make your holiday more merry and less stressful. I am looking forward to hitting this exclusive sale at Sears October 16, 2016 between 6 -9 pm and picking up throws for my mom, decorative pillows for my neighbor, candles for teachers and holiday dresses for my girls! I can then sit back knowing that if the price goes down, I will be credited!

I mean, come on… this is just a no brainer for me!

How are you starting your holiday shopping? What tips would you add?

Do YOU want to Jump Start Your Holiday Shopping Early? ONE of my readers will WIN a $100 Sears Gift Card to use! Just enter below and GOOD LUCK!

Giveaway ends 10/17/2016. Giveaway open to US Residents, 18+ only. Gift card will be emailed and can be used online and in-store.