Mother and owner of www.jexbo.com shares 5 simple tips to keep costs down this holiday season

Dearborn, MI – November 10, 2008 – It’s time to start holiday shopping and preparations, but with today’s economy, you are probably working with a tight budget. To help you save money, here are some simple tips from mother, self-published author and owner of www.jexbo.com, Jill Exler.

1. Create a budget.

Before you open your wallet, prepare a holiday budget. Know how much you have to spend on gifts, food, drinks, clothing, transportation, and all of the activities that will cost money. Then, try not to overspend.

2. Set limits.

If you exchange a lot of gifts, you may want to set a maximum on the amount to spend. Have family members choose a name out of a hat and then purchase a single gift for that person. It’s fun, and everyone receives a gift without spending too much money.

3. Use cash.

Unless you can pay off your balance at the end of each month, put your credit cards away. There is a great temptation to spend more with plastic, but you can end up with huge interest fees and a bill you can’t afford. And that’s no way to start the New Year!

4. Try layaway.

Many businesses are now offering layaway programs. You simply choose your gifts in advance and pay for them over time. Then, you pick them up right before the holidays and avoid a big bill later on. But be leery of layaway interest fees. It may be more cost effective to save money for an item first and then purchase it upfront.

5. Be creative.

You can always make your gifts. And if you need help, look for free classes at local community centers, libraries and various groups in your area. Not only will you save money, but you’ll learn a skill, meet new people and create a unique gift a loved one will cherish.

“Don’t let a lack of funds get you down this holiday season,” says Exler. “Instead, plan ahead, know how much money you have to spend and be creative. You may find that you enjoy yourself even more. After all, these special celebrations should focus on family and friends, not commercialism, overspending and creating more debt.”

To help you save money and time, get more tips and information on marketing a self-published book, visit www.jexbo.com and http://www.jexbo.blogspot.com/.

About jexbo™
Formed in 2007, jexbo, www.jexbo.com, is a new business that gives self-published authors the ability to reach their customers online for only 99¢ per month (plus jexbo receives 5% of whatever the author sells). Readers can quickly and easily find interesting and unique self-published books in various categories. jexbo gives self-published authors the ability to control the sales process, communicate directly with customers and customize a web page for marketing purposes at no additional cost. For additional information, visit www.jexbo.com or e-mail support@jexbo.com.

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Media Contact: Melanie Rembrandt, Rembrandt Communications®, www.rembrandtwrites.com, melanie@jexbo.com, 800-771-0116