It’s that time of year when many are starting to spend more than normal, which is why there are so many blogs talking about how to save money. So for this post, we will look at some of the tips being given for your holiday shopping spree.
There may be some of you who don’t like to take a sneak peak at the black friday ads, but then again, it is a great way to start planning out your holiday shopping, so that you can review your budget and make adjustments where deemed necessary.
For some tips and tricks on how to make the most of the shopping season, you can browse aimlessly, or you can let Geezeo guide you to a few of our favorites. For instance, Cathy (Chief Family Officer) has provided some great tips as well as some important reminders. For instance, she says:
If you shop online, don’t forget to take shipping charges into consideration. Shipping charges can turn a great deal into a terrible one, so always make sure you’ve factored them into your decision on whether to make a purchase.
Also:
When shopping online, always shop through a rewards portal. There are very few sites that don’t offer a reward of some kind. Alas, one of them is my favorite online store – Amazon. But except for Amazon, I have always been able to earn a reward on my purchases. My favorite portal is Ebates, because it gives me cash back each quarter. But I’ve also used Upromise and my credit card issuer’s “shopping mall.” There are dozens of other rewards sites, so there’s no excuse for not getting something in return for your online purchases.
Cathy also mentioned to make a budget. That’s important in almost everything you do! But how much is too much? Monroe on a Budget answers that question.
You also want to keep in mind what you can do for others. It’s not always just about your close friends and family. It’s a great time to help out those who are in need. What better way to lend a helping hand than to donate to a food drive, whether with money or non-perishables. Both are much needed. Frugal Zeitgeist has been able to come up with a plan for a food drive, and is personally going to donate $500 in. Awesome!
Let us know of any thing you are planning on doing this holiday season in our Community Outreach group. Also, if you find out about any great deals coming up soon, share them with us by posting a quick confession, or even sharing it in more detail in one of our many groups! Happy shopping!
November 14th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Betty
http://www.my-foreclosures.info
November 15th, 2008 at 1:16 am
Thanks for the link. I know many families spend two or three times more than we do on Christmas gifts ($75 range for daughter / husband / wife), but it just never made sense for us to do that.
November 15th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and info the reat of there in lal la land. I really apprciate people like you who do this for the rest of us. Thanks much.
November 17th, 2008 at 1:53 am
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Betty
http://www.my-foreclosures.info
November 17th, 2008 at 2:05 am
I think it's more important to give all throughout the year, than just specifically on one day, so going “all out” and “blowing” money for this one day just doesn't make sense to me. It makes more sense to get one or two things if you do want to celebrate Christmas, but spread the joy throughout the year. It will be much easier on the wallet, and it will be much more thoughtful (because face it, people expect gifts at Christmas time it seems, but if it's just another Tuesday, they will feel “special”).
Setting a budget is great too because you know what you have, you know what you can spend, and that's the end of it. Once the money is gone, it's gone.
November 17th, 2008 at 2:07 am
You're very welcome!