Due to a struggling economy and a shorter holiday shopping season the ShopperTrak RCT retail research firm predicts a record drop in the number of people filing into stores this time of year.

In our final report of "Living with Less Money" we see what some buyers in the Mid-Ohio Valley are planning to do and how some suggest to make it special, even on a tight budget.

It's a sign for many that the holiday season has arrived.

Debbie Fought, a Coolville resident who was shopping on Veteran's Day said "Doing the same thing we do every year, spending money!
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But for some with the slowing economy, shopping is taking on a new meaning.

Kristy Fisher, a Ripley resident and shopper said "Yeah I'm not going to spend as much this year. "

"We think we're lucky to be able to continue our lifestyle," said Fought.

It was a toss up among people shopping at the Grand Central Mall last Tuesday, Veteran's Day, whether or not they were planning to spend more or less on gifts this holiday season. Those we spoke with did say they are going to buy those gifts and some experts have some tips on how to do it wisely.

Paula Strawder the families and health extension agent at the Wood County WVU Extension Service said "Make a list of exactly what you're going to buy so when you go to the store you're not going to buy more than you actually came in to buy. Go off your list and stick to it."

The number of times you come here could add up.

Gwen Crum, the nutrition outreach instructor at the Wood County WVU Extension Service said "The more trips you make to the store the more likely you are to spend more money and buy things you don't need."

They also suggest printing off coupons before you go and stearing clear of displays.

But another kind of gift a Wood County WVU Extension club makes all the time, Strawder finds irreplaceable.

"Cause they make me the homemade gifts, it's so special to know that they put the time and effort into making that gift," she said.

So we spoke with some crafters about quick projects for about $5 or less.

Pam Longwell, a craft coordinator at Crafts 2000 in Vienna said, "I don't sew so and I feel like if I can do this anybody can."

She made a clutch purse. "It's made with a place mat of your choice, fabric glue, it does have a magnetic clasp," she said.

A personalized jar decorated with scrapbook paper can hold a holiday treat.

"Like brownies you could put the brownie mix in, attach the recipe. You could do hot chocolate. These are really nice gifts for teachers, aunts, uncles," said Debby Jamison a craft coordinator at Crafts 2000.

Plus you can get kids involved in making it.

Longwell made a beaded book mark. "This actually is waxed cord. Tie a knot on the bottom put as many beads as you like, tie another knot and you've got a bookmark," she said.

You can rub on images to glass vases and wine glasses to create the look of a painted candle globe, personalize picture frames with scrapbook paper, decorate a wooden serving tray with scrapbook paper, or try your hand at knitting. Plus you can make you're own Christmas cards.

If you can't afford the supplies or a gift at all don't worry because there are programs that can help.

Salvation Army gives gifts for children and a boxed holiday meal for the entire family.

"They may have missed our quote deadline however they were afraid. Maybe I can save a little money and I'll have enough to make it through and I don't want to go down to the Salvation Army and get that help and later on they find out I just don't have it, come on in," said Major Vernon Dolby of the Parkersburg Salvation Army.

They rely on donations in order to provide these gifts and even though money is tight they also rely on faith to get by.

"We really want to have other people understand that Christmas is not a time of gifts getting and giving it's a time of understanding what it's all about and that's the birth of Christ," said Major Dolby.

For more information on Christmas gift assistance in Wood County call:
Community Resources
304-485-5525
Salvation Army
304-485-4529

In Washington County, applications will be accepted at the Salvation Army at 136 Front Street through Nov. 21. Call the Salvation Army at
740-373-4043 for more information.

Also Crafts 2000 offers several classes including knitting, crocheting, and card making. Prices vary per class but there are also free demonstrations daily at the craft design counter in the store. Contact Pam Longwell.

Below is a list the Wood County WVU Extension Service provided of web sites to print coupons from. In addition is a link to the extension Web site for more information on Community Educational Outreach Service clubs like the one mentioned in this piece.

http://wood.ext.wvu.edu/

http://www.cuponsonline.com/eflp/coupons+online/pid34306/D167332/C49907

http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13306&zid=iq37&nid=10

http://coupons.smartsource.com//index.aspx?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO

http://www.anycoupons.com/index.html?deal=5110000001

http://wow-coupons.com/online_domain.php?Id_Category=&Name=

http://www.couponsurfer.com/

http://www.couponcabin.com/