Christmas is one of the most amazing times of the year for my family. There are wonderful decorations, great food and lots of gifts under the tree, especially for the children. It is not too late to plan your stress free holiday season by following a few easy tips.
Build a Christmas fund for a cash Christmas.
- You can often earn $60 or more of extra money by completing surveys.
- You can earn gift cards and cash through Swagbucks. Learn more about Swagbucks HERE.
- Clip coupons. Each time you save money using coupons, add that "saved money" to your Christmas or travel fund.
- Save your rebate funds for holiday shopping.There are some great rebate programs like the Rite Aid single check rebate, Shopko rebates and recently the Kraft food rebate program. If you love free items, then rebates are a great way to save money. You can then place the rebate money in an envelope or deposit into a special saving account or Christmas club account.
- Sign up for cash back programs like eBates and Shopathome to earn cash on most on-line purchases. You can then add this money to your Christmas fund.
Christmas clubs are making a comeback.
- Many stores have brought back layaway and Christmas Clubs. Christmas clubs are offered through some credit unions and banks, but also through stores directly. Basically the Christmas clubs are saving plans where you can set aside a specific amount of money for the holiday season. This is a great way to avoid the after Christmas credit card surprises. This year Kmart and Sears have brought back their Christmas clubs and they will offer a 3% bonus to any funds added by a certain date.
- Another way to budget your money is to use layaway plans. Layaway allows you to set the items aside at the store, then make payments until the items are paid in full.
Use your accrued points from rewards credit cards to fund some of your holiday fun.
- Many credit cards offer rewards programs. One way to fund some of your holiday fun is to redeem your points for gift card for stores where you plan to do holiday shopping. You may find you have more rewards than you expected.
Shop early.
- Often when I see an item that is a great fit for someone I will pick it up and store it in my gift closet. This spreads the expense of holiday shopping throughout the year. I also buy holiday decorations, gift wrap and gift items right after Christmas to lock in 75% to 90% savings over regular prices.
Plan a simpler holiday.
- Most people are experiencing similar financial concerns, so one way to simplify the holiday season is to agree upon some gift guidelines in advance. Many families are choosing to make gifts for each other to exchange rather than buying gifts. This inspires creativity and is a great way to enjoy the holiday season. Utilize the decorations and food items that you already have in storage. Organize your holiday items early so you do not buy duplicate items.
Set budgets and stick to it.
- It is easy to get wrapped up in the spirit of the holidays only to be surprised by your credit card statements after Christmas. Set a budget for the holidays and try to stick to it.
The holiday season is a wonderful time to enjoy friends and family, especially if you can minimize stress and stick to a budget.
We love to hear from you! Do you have a great tip for planning a stress free holiday? Be sure to share it by leaving a comment.
We love to hear from you! Do you have a great tip for planning a stress free holiday? Be sure to share it by leaving a comment.
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