Hot Topic #72:

This time of year, lots of folks are trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents. Colder weather means higher heating and electricity bills, visiting family means longer grocery lists, and (if you celebrate) holiday shopping means scraping together enough for gifts and festivities.

What's the best way to describe how you feel about your holiday season budget?

How do you manage higher costs this time of year?

Check all that apply:

I do all my shopping on Black Friday to take advantage of sales
I do all of my shopping early, with coupons and sales
I handmake all of my gifts
I cut back on other things to pay for the holidays
We don't do gifts

Thanks for weighing in. Stay spicy!