christmas shopping

Did you stay within your budget?

Approximately 40 million credit and debit card accounts used by Target customers may have been impacted by a major data breach, the retailer said Thursday. Customer names along with credit and debit card numbers may have been accessed, as well as the expiration date and three-digit security code on the back of each card, the store said.

Because we know you're just getting started with your shopping this year.

For the past few years, Greg Benson has posted these prank videos, where he goes to a store with a list of ridiculous items that don't even exist and tries to get employees to help find them anyway. (He doesn't actually shoot the video on Black Friday...that would just be cruel.)

How crazy is this?

Black Friday can be crazy, which may be why some folks are going to extremes to make sure they don't miss out on the deals.

If you're doing most of your shopping online, watch out for these four online scams:

I've admitted it before -- I'm not a fan of shopping.  I just don't have the shopping gene.  But these sales may get me to flip the script in the coming days! Old Navy -- Up to 75% off in stores, and up to 50% off online!  Ends 12/31/12 Forever 21 -- 30% off til 1/2/13 Amazon -- Up to 70% off clothing and accessories, 60% off electronics, 50% off kitchen wares and movies, 40% off toys and games.

Quick question for ya this Boxing Day morning: was what you were given for Christmas turn out to be what you wanted for Christmas? Did your spouse/kids/pets feel the same way? Are the sizes and colors just right? If so, please feel free to skip this article. Otherwise, keep reading. Maybe we can make your returns happier.

I hate to be the one to break this to you, but it's December 24th!!!!! Of course, there are the 24/7 stores . But if fighting crowds is not in your skill set, how 'bout getting your Uncle Pat membership in a " of the Month" Club? And since we're trying to help, we'll even set you up with clubs your family and friends will never forget.

Are you done Christmas shopping yet? I'm finally finished. You're probably thinking, 'finally?' it's so early but, I also went out a million times already because every SINGLE TIME that I go out to get presents for everyone else I seem to do this...

We all know some of the best sales of the year come right after Christmas. So here's an interesting thought: Why not do your holiday shopping in early January and get more bang for your gift-giving buck?