Christmas Presents on a Purse-string

Christmas is the toughest time of year for our purses, especially when you have to get presents for everyone and their dog. I find the easiest way to get around it is to stick with a few simple tricks and rules that will keep you from spending too much. Some are super-boring, some are super-thrifty, but they all begin with one little thing:

Rule Number One - Plan Ahead
The best presents are never impulse buys. They're the ones that you've thought about and kept in your head for weeks. Can't bring them to mind? Write them down. I keep a spreadsheet of ideas for each person that I've had over the course of the year/ however long it's been since their birthday so I don't forget my ideas. Then I can easily pick ad choose what I want to give. Once I have a present (preferably bought when it is at its cheapest), it gets colour-coded so I know it's been bought.

Rule Number Two - Plan even further Ahead
Right after Christmas is when all the cards and wrapping paper is discounted. Get your hands on it while it's cheap, but don't over-spend! How many rolls do you usually use up during Christmas? Two or three usually suits me fine.

To save even more, get creative. Chop up all your cards into cute gift labels, hole-punch them and store them way for next year. This thriftiness isn't just for cards though; Gather any large pieces of pretty wrapping paper that isn't damaged, any bows and long, intact, ribbon pieces to re-use next year. I find this saves money and makes all the presents I give different-looking.

Rule Number Three - Keep a Budget
Yeah, I know. It's really rather boring, but it doesn't have to be time-consuming. On your spreadsheet, simply add how much you'd like to spend on each person (or as a whole, or both) and then add up the prices of each item as you buy them. This allows you to keep track of how much you've already spent. It also means that you can see how much you are saving if you find yourself going under-budget (which, miraculously, I have for a few people this year). The point is, to stop buying when you hit your budget for each person. I have a set number of gifts for each person, and try to find the cheapest (but still good quality) product that fits that description. Which leads to...

Rule Number 4 - Shop Around
So you know what you want to get someone, but now you have to find out where it's cheapest. The computer is there for a reason! Shop around online to compare prices. Maybe it's a Nivea Shaving set that your boyfriend/husband/son/brother absolutely loves. You have so many shops to choose from that would stock this; Chemists, Supermarkets, Department Stores.. You're better off sitting on your bum in front of a screen than wasting time walking around each shop looking for your item and comparing there. Just make sure to look in on the deals; Boots may have a 3 for 2 offer that trumps the Superdrug price because you'll be buying two other gifts from the shop.

So you have some time on your hands? Great! Charity shops are a great way of buying good quality items that aren't as pricey as they could have been. make sure you know what you're looking for and only look for that. The last thing we want is to get carried away and overspend. Does your mum have a penchant for pretty tea pots? Why buy an expensive one from Cath Kidston when you could find a non-branded one in a charity shop for a measly £4.00. Charity shops are also choc-full of accessories like scarves and jewellery that would make great stocking fillers.

Rule Number 5 - Re-use and Recycle
This time it's not about the wrapping, it's about the presents. Maybe you've had a duplicate or something you would never wear/ use? There's no harm in giving it to a friend who would treasure it forever. If you have any old presents sitting about still in their packaging, even better! Don't sell them on Ebay, just pass them on, but preferably not to the person who gave it to you in the first place, or any of their family for that matter.

Just follow these five rules and your Christmas should turn thrifty in no time.

...

Not sure about Excel? Here's a useful website to give you a hand: http://spreadsheets.about.com/od/tipsandfaqs/qt/new_add_excel.htm

Why it pays to stop and think

Sometimes, when I'm on my own, just thinking, I listen to the clocks ticking. Their constant counting of seconds reminds me that we all have a certain amount of time in this world, and that it's worth making the most of.

It makes me think of the years I have already spent and what I have done with them. Admittedly there were no world altering changes in there, but I am proud of how I have grown as a person and what I have achieved for myself so far.

For example, I (and my twin along with me) am the first in my family to get through the first year of university, and the second to actually get in to uni. I know this doesn't seem like a big achievement, but I am proud knowing that those before me have failed where I have succeeded, and therefore my hard work and determination this year paid off.

When I lie back and watch those little clock arms go ceaselessly clockwise, I also think about what else I have to offer, and this time not just myself, but everyone else. I have so much time ahead of me to be able to make a difference. I don't quite know what that difference will be yet; Maybe to help people going through a difficult time with a heartfelt and helpful blog entry?

My advice, to those of you who want it, is to fill your life with happiness and fun. If you find yourself snapping at people, ask yourself if you would rather spend your precious time being happy instead. Chances are, you do.

Try not to spend to much of your time doing nothing; sleeping or on the internet, for example. Instead, why not get out and do something? It could be something small, like going for a walk in the park, or taking a jog to kick start that exercise plan you drew up but never actually did. Or something big, like starting up your own business. What do you have to lose?

Why that computer virus might not be what you think it is

I know, a very long winded title, but very much to the point, as you will see.

Did you know that clicking the 'X' button on the pop up from and internet site could cost you £50? Well, you'll sure know about it when you get scammed that way.

I was sitting at my laptop when a Windows bubble popped up on the bottom, right of my screen saying that my computer was infected.

There were two things that I noted during my complete shock at having a virus:
1. That I already had an antivirus that was working fine, which should have stopped it from contaminating the computer.
2. That I didn't recognise the antivirus software that had discovered this virus (or these many viruses, as I later found out).

I did what any sane person would do. I tried to scan my computer with the antivirus that I knew I had installed. Nothing. According the 'windows' it could not be opened as it was infected.

The scan from the unknown antivirus kicked in and I was forced to watch as it found several files that were at risk or critical. I even saw a couple of trojan's. I couldn't believe it. My other software must have been rubbish. The unknown antivirus prompted me to buy their full version, as their trial version did not get rid of the viruses.

I tried the internet next, to see if there was any way to get a free antivirus that would actually work. No such luck. Apparently a file that was meant to open it was infected. Funny though, that the website of the full mystery antivirus program was the only website I could get to. I deigned not to give any money to them.

So, my mum and I took it to a professional, and he took one look at it and told us that my laptop didn't have a virus.

In fact, what it was, was a very clever scam; a fake antivirus that you unwittingly download onto your computer. For example, you are on Facebook and you click on a link to something (a video maybe) that is meant to be hilarious. But there's a catch. To see the video, you have to downlaod something. You click 'X'/ Cancel.

But clever Mr programmer has other ideas. He's programmed both 'X' and 'Cancel' to actually mean yes and you download your unwanted file anyway. But it's not what you thought it was. It's an evil fake antivirus. In a few minutes, hours, or maybe the next time you turn on your computer, it will kick in a nd tel lyou that your computer is infected.

Unfortunately for you, if you believe it, chances are that the offer of buying the full, virus beating version of the one that may have saved your precious documents from being wiped, is a very welcome one.

The probelm is, the software you download for your hard earned cash doesn't actually do what it is supposed to. Some people will go back and pay more money, some people will take their computer to a professional at this point. But it's too late. They already have your bank details, your identity, and a bit of your money. Bummer.

My top tips to prevent this freom happening to you are partially what our professional said, and some common sense thrown in for good measure:

1. Get Firefox. It doesn't allow those kind of sites to get to your screen as it doesn't use ActiveX controls.

2. Instead of pressing 'X' or 'Cancel' to get rid of your risky pop up, press ctrl, Alt and Del at the same time and close the browser from there.

3. If you don't recognise the program, don't give it money. Especially if you alread yahve one that is supposed to do exactly the same thing.

4. Talk to a professional if you're not sure about anything, you may not completely know what's going on.

And before I go, a bit more advice: If anyone calls to tell you that your computer has a virus and that they can sort it out (yes, even microsoft), ask yourself 'how do they know'? Chances are, they're trying to scam you.