So you need to buy some stuff anyway? Make sure you do it the smart way. We can’t stop you from hitting up those tempting sales, but you’ve got to be careful: only 2% of Canadians actually stick to their budget during the holidays. First, set a budget, and try using the cash-only method. Cash has built-in limits — once it’s gone, that’s it. Take out the exact amount you’ve budgeted for shopping, and bring only that amount with you when you head to the store. If you really want to get old-school, you could even freeze your credit card in a block of ice and remove the card from your phone wallet (we’re half kidding). Finally, be honest with yourself: only buy things that you’ve been planning to buy, not just because they’re marked down.