The Eternal Question

[jmae]

So time vs money?

Obviously we're going to lean towards money. But how often do some of you get tempted to lean towards time, especially around this time of year?

I am personally exhausted, I leave for Ontario this Sunday and I feel like there's so much to do before I go. And while I am doing my best with what little time I already have working long days and many days in row before I go on holidays for two weeks, I am just so tempted to buy things when I can and where its convenient instead of spending what is now seeming to be more valuable to me: time. I don't have many presents to get before xmas but I just would rather make one stop, buy whatever present I need to and leave. Just so I can avoid as many lineups as possible, shopping around and honestly, being around a lot of grumpy, angry consumers out there waiting in line with me. I love Christmas and giving presents, don't bring the negative energy around me, this isn't the time of year to get bent out of shape

Don't get me wrong, I'm not venting. I am definetly handling it well, and no matter what, this is the least amount of money I have ever spent at Christmas. I was just thinking about the balance as this is my first Christmas as a frugal and couponing person. But I am curious : how do my fellow Edmonton SC'ers feel about this balancing act?

[frugalkitty]

Yes it can be a hard balancing act.

For daily and personal shopping I'm usually willing to put in the time to find good deals.

I'm not really into Christmas though so I don't really feel a whole lot of added pressure, but I empathize with you wanting to avoid long line ups and having the advantage of one-stop shopping.

But I'm sure you will spend even less money on gifts next year, because you can start planning/shopping for gifts early when deals are great.

[Kelkens]

Time wins out here as we are hosting Christmas for 15 people plus we both work and taxi three teens to jobs, school,etc.

We need to clean our house which is a major undertaking so we just do not have the time to save a few dollars.

I have bought ahead for the meal with every thing but the non-perishables. I have the meal planned so we are not making trips for groceries Dec.24.

[Tweetybird999]

I try very hard to get things early. This means a lot of internet orders when things are % off and getting a few extra stocking stuffers/chocolates for those visits we may not be expecting. So I might not get the "best" deal out there, but presents are usually not full-price either. I also like to shop ahead for next sizes for kids clothes when Gap/Old Navy/Hilfiger outlet have big sales pre/post Christmas. Styles don't change that much in one year. So I guess time wins, but it does on most days anyway.