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SMALL BUSINESS
By Kelli B. Grant,
Senior Consumer Reporter, SmartMoney.com
Senior Consumer Reporter, SmartMoney.com
It may be the season of giving, but shoppers are watching every penny.
This holiday season, consumers will spend an average $683 -- 3.2% less than last year -- on gifts, decorations, parties, greeting cards and other expenses, according to the National Retail Federation. "No one can afford to be frivolous this season," says Gail Cunningham, a spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
But there's no need to put the "Bah, humbug!" on celebrations, either. This year, trim your tab using these five strategies:
Deal of the Day
- Know a Last-Minute Shopper? Expect Socks
Holiday deals are drying up, but we found a few standouts.
- Last Call for Free Holiday Shipping
Want it in time for Christmas? Order today -- but mind the pitfalls.
- How to Trim Christmas Tree Costs
Decorate your fir or pine for less with these five tips.
- See More 'Deals'
