If you're a tardy Christmas shopper, you're likely to be all the poorer for it.
My brother was kicking himself when he rang me over the weekend. Even though he decided in October to get a particular type of Wendy House for his kids for Christmas, he didn't buy it on the spot because he thought he could pick it up 'nearer the time'.
Not surprisingly, the store had sold out of them by the time he went back to get it on Sunday so he spent his day driving around trying to find somewhere that stocked it. Thankfully, he succeeded. (Phew!)
At least he didn't make the mistake many of us make at this time of year - we leave our Christmas shopping to the last minute and then find ourselves in trouble. Not only do we end up spending far too much but we also get panicked into making disastrous gift choices.
This is backed up by research carried out by Internet bank, Egg, who have discovered that people who shop as late as Christmas Eve are 60% more likely to overspend than those who shop ahead. And Christmas Eve shoppers are four times more likely to buy a dud gift than those who shop 2-3 weeks in advance.
In fact, the research claims that people who leave things to the last minute are set to spend more than £1.9 billion on inappropriate Christmas presents this year. What a dreadful waste of money!
So if you've barely started on your Christmas shopping, start doing it now to give yourself time to choose thoughtful presents and if you want to make sure you don't overspend.
Naturally Egg has brought out this research in the hopes that you will apply for its credit card that, among other things, charges zero interest on new purchases for the next six months. But they've got a point. Whether you've saved up for your Christmas spending or you're putting it on the plastic, get your gift shopping out of the way now.
It'll be cheaper in the long run and even with less than three weeks to go, there's still time to avoid disaster. While you're pondering on the thought - take part in this week's poll to find out what people tend to do with all those last minute, unwanted, gifts that have been bought for them in the past!
> Vote in our Poll and, if you must shop on credit, check out our Credit Card Centre for interest-free offers.
