So! We are at the heart of the holiday season when gifts are given and received. In order to enjoy this time of year with their loved ones, most families save up enough money to splurge a bit. Many of us start cutting costs, while others look for ways to earn a quick buck online. Yet others consider opting for a quick personal loan from the likes of FatCat Loans (they are known to offer loans to people with bad credit--you can find out more about it here).
However, when spending money online, it is always suggested that we take steps to protect ourselves from internet fraud. We can apply the same principle to almost any activity we perform online (including earning money). Whether you are thinking of enrolling in a course, starting a business, or working with online service providers - do your research first. Taking a look at their reviews may help you determine whether they are scammers.
Nevertheless, something does not necessarily need to be fraudulent or a scam just because the internet suggests it is. Consider this website - https://devinschumacher.com/review/modernmillionaires/ (which might give you an excellent review of the modern millionaire program by Devin Schumacher), as an example! There are legitimate reviewers on the internet that will provide you with the information you require - whether it is a money-making scheme, an e-commerce product you have been eyeing, or an investment plan you have been looking at! Seek, and you shall find is what they say, and this is absolutely true!
Enough of the money-making (well, it is essential that you have money in order to save it!) talk! Let's now find out how we can save some bucks during the busy festive season!
Here's 15 simple ways you can save money this Christmas, so you can spend it on things you really want!
1. SEND POSTCARDS INSTEAD OF LETTERS
If you want to save money this Christmas but still want to send holiday greeting or Chrsitmas cards, send postcards! completely!
Not only do postcards cost less than a full card most of the time, you'll also save money on envelopes and postage.
Currently, a postcard stamp in the US is only 35 cents, while a regular stamp is 50 cents.
You'll save $20 for every 100 cards you send!
2. LIMIT THE NUMBER OF GIFTS YOU GIVE
This is kind of obvious, but if you want to cut back on the Christmas budget, plan to give less gifts. Before you think this a bad idea, remember that most often times less is more!
3. GIVE FREE OR HOMEMADE GIFTS
Save money this Christmas by giving homemade gifts. Think outside the box and see what you can repurpose into a thoughtful gift.
Free gift ideas:
- picture slideshow or movie
- organizing family recipes
- cleaning out a junk drawer
- doing someone else's chores
- movie night at home with popcorn
4. GIVE EXPERIENCE GIFTS
Experience gifts are our favorite because they make memories together, instead of turning into clutter a few days after Christmas. Usually kids and spouses will remember this type of gift better than what they got if you ask them a year later.
But giving the gift of experience is also a great way to save money at Christmas. Wrap up a coupon for a fun experience to do together in a creative way, or even something that might prove useful in the long run - like coupons for self defense classes for women, maybe!
Here's 70 Experience Gift Ideas to get you started.
5. STOCK UP ON WRAPPING PAPER AND SUPPLIES
Every extra trip you take the store is just one more time you have to resist the hundreds of other things calling your name. Stock up on wrapping paper and tape early, so you are well stocked for the entire Christmas season.
Also, if you have the storage room, take advantage of the after Christmas sales to stock up on wrapping paper for the next year!
6. MAKE REUSABLE GIFT BAGS
Another way to save money is by using fabric or reusable gift bags. My neighbor made a bunch of fabric bags with drawstrings that she uses every year to wrap gifts! Not only does this save time wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve, but she doesn't have to buy wrapping supplies year after year. Brilliant!
7. SHOP GROCERY SALES
Usually grocery stores have really good deals. When you see an item on sale, stock up on it so you'll have it whenever you need it.
8. MAKE A GIFT & SHOPPING LIST
Going into stores at Christmas time is dangerous for the Christmas budget! Stores are designed to place things right where you'll see them so you'll be tempted to buy things you probably don't need.
The best way to save money is to make a list of things you need and stick to it as much as possible.
9. MEAL PLAN
"If you fail to plan, you'll plan to fail." Make a meal plan for December so you won't be tempted to eat out so much.
10. EASY, FREEZER & SLOW COOKER MEALS
Not only is planning your meals a key to saving money at Christmas, but planning to have simple meals so you aren't tempted to eat out when you are shopping or going from Christmas activity to activity.
Prepare a slow cooker meal in the morning or stock up on freezer meals so you have something ready when you're hungry.
If freezer meals aren't your thing, make a list of quick meals and get the ingredients for them so you'll be ready in a pinch. Spaghetti is always a good idea 🙂
11. PUT UP YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Having someone install Christmas lights can be a few hundred dollars. If that is not in your Christmas budget, you can still make your home festive by putting up your own lights.
One year we even said no to Christmas lights.
A simple strand of lights and garland around your front door or on the bushes can still be festive without a huge expense.
However, if you think that you are incapable of installing lighting fixtures on your own, then do not force the task on yourself as it can prove to be a reason for electrical emergencies or mishaps. Instead, look for a firm that can offer the services of a skilled electrician at an affordable price. For instance, it is believed that Safe and Sound Electric LLC offers budget-friendly Greenwich electrical services, which include installing lighting fixtures. So, you can try getting in touch with them or similar firms.
As said earlier, if you are not experienced in handling electrical jobs, then it would be wise of you to leave it to those who know to take care of the task. Otherwise, you might end up ruining the fun of the festivities.
12. SAVE A FEW AMAZON BOXES
Ok, are you like me and love Amazon Prime? If you aren't a member, try it free for 30 days here. It's so convenient to have items delivered straight to your door within 2-days (not to mention the unlimited photo storage and free shows and videos with a Prime membership.)
A few months before December, I'll hang on to a few boxes to use to wrap Christmas gifts. That way you'll never need to buy gift wrap boxes.
13. INVEST IN AN ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE
The upfront investment of an artificial Christmas tree may be a bit more than a real one, but you'll save lots of money by not buying a real tree every Christmas. Plus, you can put your tree up much earlier if you use a fake one.
14. FIND FREE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES NEAR ME
There are so many FREE holiday activities that you can attend without needing to spend money.
To find free activities, just google "Free Christmas Activities near me" for some ideas. You can still make plenty of fun holiday memories without going to fancy concerts, light shows, etc.
15. REUSE DECORATIONS
I'll be the first to admit that I love new decorations and switching things up from year to year. But the best way to save money is by investing in some classic, timeless decorations for the big items like a Christmas tree, nativity, and stocking and then switching out smaller decoration items like pillows and ornaments as your color preferences change.
How do you save money at Christmas time? I'd love to hear!
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