Dear Case,

I have been married for 10 years. With the gift giving season just past us, my annual anxiety over our financial inequality has kicked in. Every year, my husband showers me with holiday presents that are thoughtful and extremely generous. I find myself trying to reciprocate, but I am stretched very thin. I have a large family with a long gift list that requires me to be creative and frugal with my budget, whereas he only gets presents for me. Even though I know it is not a contest for the largest gift pile, I still feel guilty. He is gracious and says that he just likes to see me happy, but I always feel embarrassed. I find myself stretching even more to give back, going into debt, worrying and still not even coming close to his openhandedness. How should I have gotten over being the poor sap and embraced the holiday spirit and the thought that counts?  Read more>

Many predicted that the deals offered traditionally on Black Friday would roll out all through November so the question is — what can you get now and what do you really need to be up at the crack of dawn to snag November 27th?  Read more>

While the economy shouts out, “Bah, humbug!” retailers are begging for some figgy pudding. They are vying for our business and this holiday season should prove to be a buyer’s market even if you’re on a tight budget. In addition to sales, coupons and other promotions, many stores are offering layaway plans as a means of luring us under the mistletoe. So pucker up, shoppers, and check out the layaway policies of some of our favorite retailers:  Read more>

(Nor should it be your shopping goal)

If you’ve ever had a case of the “Januaries” you know how horrible they are: doubled over with bills, living on packs of ramen noodles, panicking as you drive to work on fumes.  Read more>

My perfect day: waking up with my love, breakfast with the kids, going to the gym and then meeting the girls for lunch! Followed by shopping, and then reservations at the hottest new restaurant in town with my love and our friends! And, on really perfect days, he takes me dancing.  Read more>