Today, I heard on CNN NEWS about a study researching a gender gap in financial wisdom. According to this study, women look for help and advice when they are already in financial troubles while men seek out financial advisors to avoid those troubles and plan for the future. Men follow the developments on the stock markets at a higher rate than women and men also are more likely than women  to pay off their credit card bills in full every month.  

It seems that many women could really benefit from the services of a Money (Life ) coach.

The study was done by Financial Finesse, a provider of financial education programs. Read more details  .

Christiane is Life Coach and teaches Psychology at a Community College in Massachusetts. Her website is www.coach4u.net. Sign up for her newsletter.

If you purchase your christmas cards, decoration and wrapping paper for 2009 now , you will enjoy huge savings. Visiting several stores, I found savings between 50% to 80%. A box of christmas cards that normally costs $10 can be purchased now for $ 2.50. And if you don’t mind eating Christmas candy in January, stock up on those for a fraction of the original price. I also bought today the first gifts for upcoming birthdays and other events: a barbeque thermometer for $ 2.50 and a red velvet table runner, which my mom will love, for $ 4.50.

Did you already bake cookies, and made jam ? Are you out of ideas what else to give during the holiday season?  Here a few gifts that won’t cost you a fortune:

 Do you like to cook and have great recipes?

1. You could buy a nice notebook or folder, and create a personalized recipe book for a dear friend or family member.
2. Give a coupon for a five course dinner at your house – or
3. Promise to cook for an event at their house.
4. Buy ingredients for a not-your-every-day family meal and add your special recipe.

For avid gardeners:

1. Give a coupon or gift certificate for a plant, seeds, or fruits from your garden. Add a picture, if you have.
2. If you have seeds from last summer, purchase a pretty box or bag and fill it with seeds and planting instructions.
3. Give your time and experience: Friends or colleagues without green thumb will appreciate a coupon for “garden consulting” – or
4. Give a certificate for “spring cleaning”

Do you need a gift for a couple with young children?

1. Give a coupon for x number of babysitting nights
2. Invite the kids for a weekend in your house
3. Offer your time for help with afternoon activities
4. Organize a party for all the kids of your friends (so that they can spend some grown-up time together)

Do you have an elderly loved-one, friend or neighbor?

Give the gift of your time by giving them a coupon for help with shopping,  rides to medical appointments or a day out in the country.

Christiane is a professional life coach with private practice in Massachusetts. She specializes on helping people on realizing their goals and putting them into action.

What is Christmas morning without a beautifully decorated tree?

However, this year more people may go without a tree. In financially difficult times the expense of a tree can be too much for a tight holiday budget. Christmas tree growers are already reporting a decline in sales as buyers cut back on spending.

Artificial trees cost less over the years; but for many people they are no match to a natural tree.
Two ways to save money when buying a natural tree are:

• Buy a smaller tree
• Purchase your tree at a “Cut your own tree” farm

The National Christmas Tree Association provides on their website tips for selecting the best tree.
To find a Christmas Tree farm in your vicinity go to christmas-tree.com  or pick your own christmas tree  

Did you ever go to a big box store, set your eyes on a product and then tried to bargain for a better price? If not, try it next time. Chances are hight that you will save some money.

A while ago, I watched a special report on the evening news. Reporters tried to negotiate the price for TVs, refrigerators or even t-shirts. In more than half of the cases, they were successful and saved hundreds of dollars. Sometimes, the salesperson couldn’t help with the price but offered something else, like free delivery or free installation.

Right now with the sluggish economy, it’s a buyer’s market. Hence, chances are high that it will be even easier now to negotiate. Many people don’t try because they feel embarrassed or are hold back by the fear of appearing foolish. However, sellers of products like furniture or cars even expect haggling and marked their products up.

Consumer experts advise to be always polite and discreet, and not pushy. Further, it’s important to offer a price that is fair and reasonable. If your offer is too low, the salesperson will just reject it without even considering it or making a counter offer. Also, make sure that you are bargaining with a salesperson who has the authority to offer a discount. If you are not sure about that, ask for the manager.

And last but not least, don’t bargain if you are not ready to buy the product.

More tips on ConsumerReports.org