We’re hearing a lot of tough news about the economy nationwide. With the holiday season coming, it’s time to think about purchasing those gifts for Christmas.

We have a lot of people here in Selma and Dallas County who depend on that spending to grow their businesses, pay their employees and themselves.

We have retail stores here in Selma and Dallas County that need out business.

Generally, if you can find anything anywhere, you can find it in Selma or Dallas County. If not, the retailer will provide a service by getting the item for you. All you have to do is ask.

At the same time, holiday shopping doesn’t mean we need to break the bank or go in debt just to show that we can shop and mean it.

What holiday shopping should demonstrate is an eagle eye for bargains and practical gift lists.

Use cash instead of charging those gifts to a credit card. Set aside a dollar amount for each person on your list. Look at last year’s spending and adjust. Determine what you can afford and proportion gift-giving for that. If you have to charge, do charge more than you can pay off by March 2009.