Good plan keeps budgets on track

He's making a list, and checking it twice ...

When it comes time to shop this holiday season -- whether for decorations for your home or gifts for family and friends -- it pays to be organized, and a list is just one tool that will help you stay within your budget, according to Ross Manning, senior vice president for discount retailer Tuesday Morning.

By creating a list and an accompanying budget, it makes holiday shopping more purposeful and easier to stay on track.

"Don't just say you gotta go shopping and see what you can find," he said, adding that doesn't mean a person can't get excited by an unexpected find.

Manning has four additional helpful tips to help consumers navigate their way through the holiday season in today's economy.

First, he recommends shopping early. "Whenever you see a great sale offer, take advantage of it." If not, he said you risk the chance of not finding the item again or at the same price.

"Shop local. It saves gas and it saves time. As a consequence, you are saving money."

He said it is also good to shop smart by taking advantage of what off-price and full-price retailers are offering.

Finally, he said be conscientious about the brand and quality of the items being purchased. "If you buy a brand you know and trust, there is validity to the offer."

Manning sees retailers such as Tuesday Morning an ideal place for those who are seeking to outfit their homes for the holidays without spending a lot of money.

The store offers upscale items at a deep discount and specializes in home furnishings and accents. The company has established relationships with manufacturers around the world and provides an outlet for them to reduce their inventory quickly, especially if they are making changes -- even to something as simple as the label.

"We take the product. It helps them because they don't lose much money and can make their changes easily and rapidly. We pass on the savings," he said.

"We have a large following of interior designers and decorators," Manning added. He said they appreciate the fact that they can get items immediately and that those items are limited in number, particularly when they are working on model homes.

Tuesday Morning was established in 1974 in Dallas and has more than 840 stores nationwide, including seven in the Las Vegas Valley.