OK, it's nearly a week after Black Friday so an article on holiday spending is probably too late for shopping junkies. But since I don't shop until at least December 15, there may be time to reach some of you who think like me :)

So, do you even have a plan for holiday spending?

Be honest now, nobody will know but you (well, the big guy in the red suit might find out, I think he signed up here a few weeks ago before he got busy).

My plan is the same as always - focus on quality and not quantity. And no, I'm not doing this just because I'm cheap. Fortunately, our kids don't ask for lots of junk. The realize the holidays are not just about spending lots of money and getting lots of gifts. Unfortunately, the gifts they do ask for are usually expensive. But at least we know they are getting something they really want and can really use. Which at least makes buying gifts a lot more fun.

Sadly, many people don't have a plan for buying holiday gifts. They just go out shopping, and buy whatever they find for the people on their list. This is clearly the WRONG way to approach holiday shopping. The list should include not just names, but gifts. This way you'll limit what you spend. Of course, if money is no object then a plan doesn't matter. But for the rest of us it does.

Do yourself a favor, make a list like Santa does - with name and gifts. And limit your buying to what you can REALLY afford - if you need to cut back a little now so don't end up with huge credit card bills in January your friends & family will have to understand!

So, what's your plan for this holiday season?