COUPON QUEEN: Holiday shopping early can trim budget

If December always sneaks up on your wallet, here is your sign to start your holiday shopping now. Shopping early won't just let you avoid the crowds, but it's also a great money strategy. Here's why starting early can help you trim your budget and reduce stress. Control cash flow One of the easiest ways to wreck your budget is by cramming all of your spending into December. Not only will it strain your paycheck, but it may force you to rely on a credit card. By starting now, you spread out your purchases over several paychecks, which helps you avoid high-interest debt. If you aren't quite ready to shop, use this time to set aside a weekly amount of money for your holiday shopping later. Take advantage of off-season markdowns Now is a great time to snag summer clearance sales. When my boys were younger, I always bought them toys for Christmas that they could use for the upcoming summer — these included pool toys, swim trunks and outdoor toys. I did this not only because I could snag these items on clearance, but also because they could unwrap the gift at Christmas, and then I could put it away for them to enjoy a few months later. They could enjoy the thrill of the gift twice. Clothes, camping gear, shoes and kitchenware, all with a summer theme, can be a good gift for adults, too. DIY gifts take time Whether you create custom ornaments, upcycle decor, or knit a blanket, a homemade gift can be a time-consuming endeavor. Starting your gifts now will help you avoid the rush during the season. Create a list of who you would like to make a gift for, and begin gathering your supplies. Your future self will thank you for getting a jump start on it. Trim your list Shopping early allows you to start planning, and that includes creating and, if necessary, trimming your shopping list. Creating a list helps you see the big picture and avoid buying frivolously. Do you really need to buy for every co-worker, neighbor, or distant cousin? Sometimes a heartfelt card, a plate of homemade cookies, or a handwritten note goes much further than a store-bought gift. Creating a list also allows you to start setting spending limits per person. Now is the time to make these decisions before the holiday rush. Stop impulse shopping When you shop early, you are more likely to make purchases with intention rather than emotion. As we approach the holiday season, retailers ramp up the urgency with flash sales and limited-time offers. By starting now, you can calmly prepare by checking prices and reviews without the added pressure of the holiday season. Start your holiday shopping now by picking up smaller gifts, checking the clearance aisle, and setting time aside to start those homemade gifts. Spreading things out not only helps your budget but also your sanity. Let December be about family and twinkle lights, not receipts and last-minute panic shopping. This week's deal Here is a deal to grab this week at Walgreens.Purex laundry detergent (up to 38 loads) — $1.99 each Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at rachelkrych@gmail.com.