Christmas on a Tight Budget

After I read the informative article, “Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas”, I decided to share some of my own ideas on how to get through Christmas on a tight budget. (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/76299/cheap_christmas_gift_ideas.html) Most Americans are looking for ways to save money on Christmas gifts. It may be a tight budget or the number of people on your list, but everyone wants to give a nice gift without breaking the bank. These are some suggestions on how to do that:

1. As daunting as it may seem, shop department store special sales. Yes, it may be crowded, but those one-day sales lead to a lot of savings on gift items. You are going to buy the gifts anyway, so save yourself money on your purchases. Be sure to bring the coupons that come in the mail for extra savings on a certain day, even on sale or clearance merchandise.

2. I have nine grandchildren and I’m on a fixed income. It’s impossible for me to go out and buy an expensive gift for each grandchild. After Christmas each year, I shop the sales and buy each grandchild a special Christmas ornament for the next year. When Christmas comes, I write their names and the year on the ornaments so they have a keepsake. I’ve been doing this since they were born, so when the time comes for them to leave home, they will each have a collection of personalized ornaments to take with them. Then I purchase a ten dollar gift certificate for each one to go along with the ornament. The gift is special, but just right for my budget.

3. Each major bookseller has a website online. If you go to the “Bargain” section, you will find wonderful books for a fraction of the original cost. Some books are listed at eighty per cent off regular price. You can get an expensive hard-cover book for five dollars. Pick and choose special books for each person on your list. You have spent time looking for the perfect book for each person, but you haven’t spent a lot of money. The time you spend selecting the book is part of the thoughtful gift.

4. One of my credit cards gives you points for each dollar you spend. You can redeem these points for gift cards. I charge everything during the year (and pay my entire credit card balance each month) so I accumulate points. When Christmas comes, I redeem those points for gift cards at special stores for each of my adult children. Each of my grown children can then select the perfect gift for herself. It may seem generic to give gift cards, but my children and grandchildren love them. Why guess what they would like when they can select exactly what they like?

5. Don’t forget the discount stores for name-brand items at sale prices. Even the discount stores have sales on their already-discounted merchandise. You can find some good bargains this way.

6. Sometimes children or grandchildren have fund raisers at their schools. They usually sell magazines or small gifts to raise money for their school functions. Most of us buy something from them just to support their efforts, but why not make use of the gifts. Give someone a special magazine subscription that they will enjoy or a gift from the school’s selection. You can save these gifts for Christmas. You’ve supported the school fund raiser and selected some of your Christmas gifts.

7. When we are shopping, we may come across something that we think would be perfect for someone we know. Instead of passing up this item (especially if it’s on sale), buy it then and put it away for Christmas. When you buy a little at a time, the cost is spread out over the year and it doesn’t seem so overwhelming.

8. If you knit, crochet, or make quilts, hand made gifts are special and unique. Make a blanket or throw in someone’s favorite colors or a special pattern. My granddaughter’s other grandmother makes her a quilt for every season. Mittens for children who play outside in the winter are wonderful gifts. You can think of as many gifts as you have imagination.

A lot of these gifts are not expensive, but thoughtful. You can spend a lot of money (that you can’t afford) on Christmas gifts, and still not have done anything really special. An inexpensive gift that is selected with the person’s special interests in mind is just as wonderful as an expensive gift. It really is the thought that counts.

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/79128/christmas_on_a_tight_budget.html?cat=74

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Ten Ways to Save Money This Christmas

September is here, which can only mean one thing-Christmas is around the corner.. It is only natural to get in the Christmas spirit and start spending money on gifts, decorations and holiday meals. Wouldn't it be nice to save money while providing a great Christmas for your family? Here are some Christmas-saving tips to prevent burning a hole in your wallet.

1. Make a list and stick to it. To some this may be self explanatory. Making a list will help you target what you are really looking for. Those who go shopping without a list may be more apt to spend more money by being distracted by other merchandise.

2. Start early. Staring early will help you budget between the gifts you are buying and other livelihood expenses such as mortgage payments, insurance, groceries, etc.

3. Get cash back. The internet has opened a whole new world for shopping. There are free sites such as Cash Crate, Inbox Dollars, Treasure Trooper and others that will pay you a cash back percentage when you shop through their site. They are partnered with name brand stores to provide the highest quality merchandise . They not only offer a cash back percentage, they also pay consumers to try out products. Money made from these sites can also give you extra money to purchase Christmas gifts. If you are interested in these programs, you may check them out here.

4. Save on wrapping paper. Let's face it-there is a lot of expensive decorative wrapping paper found in stores . To save money use newspaper. Another option is to use wrapping paper you already have (from any holiday) by wrapping the gift facing white side up and decorating it with Christmas stickers. These two tips will help you cut back on unnecessary costs and will enable you to spend more on gifts. Taking advantage of the after-Christmas specials will also cut you a deal on next year's wrapping paper.

5. Make your own Christmas Cards. Christmas cards can be expensive and impersonal. Creating your own cards will not only save money, but will give a Merry Christmas from the heart.

6. Prepare your Christmas menu early. There are some items on your grocery list that will stay fresh for a long time. Looking for sales on these items now will cut back on your grocery bill around Christmas.

7. If you are hosting dinner at your place for Christmas, ask others to contribute by bringing side dishes. You would be surprised by the willingness of others to contribute to the holiday meal.

8. Start a savings account. Starting a new savings account a dedicating it only to Christmas will help the age old question " How am I going to afford it". If your place of employment offers direct deposit, you may want to add your Christmas saving account to your direct deposit and set a certain amount to come out each paycheck.

9. Shop in the classifieds. The internet is flooded with people that are trying to sell something you may want. Craigslist.org is a free classified site that has a "wanted" section to post what you are looking for. Buying from individuals rather than stores will be cheaper.

10. Buy your Christmas decorations at discount stores. There are a lot of dollar stores that offer nice looking decorations for the holiday at a good bargain.

These methods work great if you are on a fixed income or just want to save money. Christmas is a time to spend with family and give gifts from the heart, not the wallet. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/366968/ten_ways_to_save_money_this_christmas.html?cat=7

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