How to get what you REALLY want for Christmas

If you're like a lot of folks, maybe you're heading back to the store to exchange that tie or fruitcake for something a little more meaningful, like maybe a flat screen television?

Before you do though, check out CNN's top five picks for flat panel TVs to make sure you get one that can be cherished for a lifetime.

Alright. I'm being sarcastic, but for good reason. While a generally like content on CNNMoney.com I gotta say that their reasons for "needing" to go into debt for a flat panel television leave a lot to be desired.

According to them, you should get a flat panel because your regular television takes up "way too much space and weighs a ton." Says who!?

Hey, if you want to go into debt because the TV you've used for years suddenly weighs too much, be my guest, but that's definitely not the road to financial freedom and wealth.

Tell you what. If you really want a flat screen that badly why don't you make sure it's under the Christmas tree next year. But start today.

If you get paid every two weeks, you've 25 paychecks till next Christmas. You can save up $1,000 for that new TV by just tucking away $40 each time you get paid.

Let me tell you; you walk into your favorite electronics store and flash 10 $100 dollar bills around and I guarantee you you'll walk away with a $1200 flat panel for a thousand bucks. If not, the next store will.

Just imagine how good it will feel to take that thing home for cash!

If you didn't get what you want for Christmas this year, give it to yourself next year, debt free, by saving a little each paycheck. Your first paycheck in January is just around the corner!