Tips for saving this holiday:
Cut down on gifts for the kids:
If you have kids, remember that they will get lots of toys and clothes for Christmas from everyone you know, consider this year starting a new tradition- have them make a list and get them three special items this year. Make one of them sentimental, something they will actually keep for longer than the two weeks after Christmas.
Don't buy needless stuff:
Don’t buy stuff for people just to buy stuff. Your kids teacher, bus driver, etc. – unless you have a personal relationship with them, skip it. You’ll buy something meaningless that they’ll throw away anyways. Save both of yourselves the trouble (and you the cash!).
Get rid of (gasp!) your DVR:
If you have a huge DVD collection and also have DVR/Cable/Netflix – pick one or the other. If you have internet you can get an incredible amount of the same shows that you DVR for free and can watch them ANY time you want. The same thing with Netflix- you can get shows AND movies for MUCH cheaper than DVR rates.
Get your grocery shopping (and excessive sweets/junk) UNDER CONTROL:
Make a list when grocery shopping, and STICK TO IT. If you spend a little time and go through the weekly ad online (lots of places have them, Walmart, Marsh, Kroger, etc) you can see what is already on sale and build your list around it. This is also a way to make watching your food for the holidays. There will already be candy, cookies, and brownies galore everywhere you go, so don’t stock up on it at home. Cut out the sweets, cut your costs.
Buy useful/thoughtful stocking stuffers:
If your extended family does stocking stuffers- make them useful! Buy cute little hand sanitizers or a purse/pocket sized lotion. This is also a great opportunity to start a tradition of buying ornaments for those special people in your life. Skip the gum, weird gadets (that never work right), and excessive amounts of cheap candy. Your wallet, and their bellies and trash cans will thank you. For the college student in your life- give them a gas card or card to a grocery store- even if there is a $5 max, $5 is sometimes all a kid can scrounge together to put in their gas tank – they will be thankful.
Shop local!! :
Take a look around and check out your local stores before buying anything! Chances are they will have unique items, will be offering lots of discounts, and personal service.
Spend time with those you love, not money on junk no one needs:
My biggest tip: don’t put yourself into debt over the holidays, get back to doing and giving things that are MEANINGFUL to both yourself and those you are giving to. Pay your bills, take care of your family, and spend time with ones you love. That will be worth more than the thousands of dollars you can save by just following my simple tips listed above.
xo
Your partner in cutting corners,
the MW Budgetista
