Saving on Holiday Shopping
December 5, 2011
It’s that time of year again, time for holiday shopping! The holiday shopping season is the only time of year when hurrying up to wait is broken down to a science. But this time of year also comes with a lot of extra worry and stress for most consumers. Everyone’s trying to get everything on their list, stay under budget, and do it all without running out of time. These factors coming together in this way creates a perfect storm for a lot of holiday stress. But with a little planning and effort this year, you can get everything on your list and still come in under budget. Here are some tips on how to save on your holiday shopping this year.
Have a Plan
Before you enter the chaos of the store or start randomly searching online, be sure to have a good plan in place. Not having a good plan is the main reason most consumers are lured by sales and impulse purchases. Be sure your list has everyone on it, and a specific amount to spend on each person.
Use the Internet
Take advantage of your computer this holiday season. Try getting some discounted gift cards to do your shopping this year. Thousands of major retailers offer discounted gift cards on their websites. You can also shop for them on gift card websites like giftcards.com. You can save anywhere from 5 to 35 percent depending on the retailer. Don’t forget about social media also. Following retailers on sites like Facebook and Twitter will get you holiday deals and specials this time of year. Also for deep savings don’t forget about craigslist.org. Remember that there is no shortage of televisions, electronics, appliances, and electronics out there. If the person you’re buying for won’t mind, consider something a little used to save big bucks. The last couple of weeks leading up to Christmas are a great time to search sites like this for new items too. Millions of Americans buy the wrong gifts every year and don’t know what to do with them. They then turn to sites like Craigslist to resell the poor purchase they’ve just made. This may be able to get you the best deal to brag about this year.
By using a couple of these tips you’ll be able to make sure you come in under budget this holiday season.
Save on Stocking Stuffers
November 30, 2011
You’ve done a good job planning your gift list. You’ve gotten all of the gifts you wanted for everyone and you’re still under budget. Then you realize, “Oh no! What about the stockings?” You then run out at the last minute, only to blow your budget on smaller overpriced items. Let’s avoid that scenario this year by planning some easy, inexpensive solutions for the stockings.
Coupons
Coupons make great stocking stuffers, and usually come at deep discounts. Groupon.com has great coupons and excellent specials during the holiday season. Just be careful you don’t start buying coupons for yourself as this can be very tempting. Also, if you already have some coupons for yourself that you haven’t used this may be a great opportunity to re-gift them again. Just make sure that the coupons you were saving don’t have expiration dates on them. Otherwise you’re not doing your reputation as a thoughtful gift giver any favors. You also have tons of free coupons at your disposal by offering your services in the form of a coupon. People really appreciate these kinds of coupons (especially new parents) because they really add a personal touch. Remember that time is an extremely valuable commodity in today’s world, and offering some of yours is considered more thoughtful than ever.
Double Down
When thinking of stocking stuffers for the kids, try to think about items that you would probably be buying for them anyway. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss are examples of items that can be used as stocking stuffers. School supplies are also perfect for this. And although pens and pencils don’t get the reaction of the Xbox, they are practical for you and they stuff the stocking.
Dollar Days
Don’t forget about the dollar store when it comes to stocking stuffers. There are a lot of different types of items at the dollar store and all are at deep discounts. Also remember to find the clearance rack at the dollar store as you might be able to fill all of the kids stocking from this area alone.
So try a little pre-planning when you’re stuffing the stockings this year, your budget will thank you for it.
Charitable Giving Without Money
November 28, 2011
The holidays are a time of the year when a lot of us decide to give back. Whatever your favorite charity happens to be, most of us are inspired to give a little bit during the holiday season. The themes around the holiday season inspire a lot of us to give back. But what if you’re already having a tough time financially? Remember that charitable giving doesn’t always have to involve money. There are some ways you can give back without taking any funds out of your budget.
Time Is Money
In today’s society where life moves at breakneck speed, time has become an extremely valuable resource. Donating some of your time to your favorite charity is a great way to give back without costing you any money. Even if it’s just for a couple of hours once a month, your time is always greatly appreciated. Donating time can also lead to other opportunities. Volunteering is a great way to network and meet new contacts. If you’re unemployed, it could lead to a job. If you already have a job, it could lead to a better job. Networking and making new contacts could actually end up benefitting you positively financially, and all you had to do is donate a little bit of your time.
Got Skills?
In addition to donating your time, if you have a skill or something that you’re good at you can donate that. Plumbing, electrical work, seamstress, and other handyman duties are almost always in demand from charities. If you’re good with numbers accounting services are always helpful. Maybe you can help some folks during tax time this year. Also don’t forget that there’s always someone else out there who is struggling more than you are. The hectic pace of everyday life can leave us feeling like we’re struggling just to get by. But remember that there’s always someone who is having a tougher time than you are right now. Consider what you have to be thankful for, and try to spread those feelings to others.
So if you feel like giving this time of year, remember that it doesn’t have to put a strain on your budget.
Holiday Décor on a Budget
November 23, 2011
No matter what holiday you’re celebrating this season, most of us are going to be doing some decorating around the house. But going to the store to buy holiday decorations in November or December will surely put a large dent in the overall holiday budget. So here are some ideas about different things you can do to save some money on holiday décor this year.
Use What You’ve Got
It’s obvious that holiday décor items are overpriced during the holidays because that’s when demand for them is highest. But a quick look around the house will probably yield enough items to make plenty of decorations. Making holiday candles can be a good place to start. If you take an old washed out jar, insert a candle, and tie a ribbon around the top, and now you have a nice holiday candle. You can also rest the candle in nuts, peppermints, or sand to make your candle look even better. Also, if you’re into sewing or arts and crafts, you can make garlands out of spare felt. Cut some holiday shapes out of the felt and hang them across string or a line to make colorful holiday themed wall hangings. If you want to add some depth to your shapes just cut out two of each, stuff with old dryer sheets, and sew them together. Also, take a tip from my dentist. He always wraps the pictures that were already on the wall beforehand with wrapping paper. It seems cheesy to do, but it always seems to add a holiday atmosphere to the room without costing a lot of money.
Non-Traditional Shopping is Wise
A good way to save on holiday décor is to shop for it in untraditional ways. For example, try to pick up some teddy bears at the thrift store. After a quick wash it only takes a few felt scraps and a ribbon and you’ve got some holiday themed bears to display. By repurposing an old item with some ready available extras you can have some holiday decorations on the cheap.
With a little resourcefulness and imagination you can decorate for the holidays this year without having to blow your budget.
Dating On a Budget
November 21, 2011
Dates On a Budget: Here’s Some Cheap Date Ideas
Dating can get very expensive because you want to do everything that you can to impress your partner. However, sometimes you just do not have the money to spend on extravagant gifts and dates; therefore, debt can cause a significant amount of strain on a relationship. Fortunately, there are ways that you can have amazing dates without spending a lot of money.
Hit the Outdoors
If you want a romantic date that does not cost anything, stargazing makes a spectacular date. You can find a spot a few miles out of town and view the fascinating lights in the sky. You can take a blanket and cuddle up with the one that you love while drinking wine. The best time to go stargazing is shortly after the sun goes down and the moon is brightly lit in the universe. It will be a date to remember that will save you money.
If you and your partner love to explore, hiking together can be an exciting date. There are many hiking trails throughout the country; therefore, you can walk through the woods together. You can even take a blanket and food and have a picnic in the great outdoors.
A really fun thing to do on a date is play miniature golf. A little competition never hurt a relationship, and you can find a miniature course for under $20. Playing sports together often welcomes the opportunity to laugh and flirt.
…Or Stay Inside
You can have a cheap, but romantic date right in your own home. Stroll down memory lane by renting your favorite movie from your childhood. You can turn out the lights, microwave some popcorn and relive part of your past with your sweetheart. It is also a great way to get to know each other better.
You could also buy a puzzle and work on it together at your home. You can put all the pieces together in a few hours, and then, glue them together. You will then have a keepsake that will remind you of the quality time that you spent together.
Many cities have a free museum that you can visit with your date. There are some very interesting history or art museums throughout the country. If the museum does charge a fee, it might be minimal; therefore, call ahead and ask for possible discounts.
Having a romantic date does not have to drain your wallet. There are numerous things to do on a date that are inexpensive; therefore, be creative and leave your checkbook at home, and you will give your partner an incredible evening.
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