Christmas isn’t on the mind for many families until towards the end of November. Many families wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to complete their shopping. Some may complete it all at once and some may complete it throughout the end of November and during the month of December. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars all at once to complete your Christmas shopping, why not shop throughout the year?
First, you’ll want to make sure you have your list ready of people that you need to buy for throughout the year. Then, create a budget of how much you’ll be spending for each person, and what he/she may like or want.
How to Shop for Christmas Presents Throughout the Year (Instead of All At Once) AND Save Money, Too!
1. Shop for 1-2 People Each Month
If you set aside money each month for 1-2 people on your list, chances are, you won’t go into a huge amount of debt by getting all of your shopping completed month by month. Budget for about $50-$100 a month for 1-2 people and do this each month until you are finished shopping.
2. Shop the Clearance Section Online or in Stores
Just about every store has a clearance aisle. You can score some pretty great items at a low price on the clearance racks. If you see items on the shelves that you think your recipient will like, purchase the items and put them in the gift closet and save them for Christmas. You can also find great clearance items online.
3. Use Rewards Points or Rebates
If you have any accounts earning rewards points, use your rewards points for Christmas presents! This includes any credit or debit card rewards from Swagbucks or Ibotta, etc. If you are like me and you have joined several different rewards programs, I encourage you to keep an excel sheet with your programs and amount earning listed so that you don’t forget about your extra cash! Every bit of cash adds up.
4. Re-Gift
If you have new items sitting around your home unopened, consider putting them away for someone that may need or want it. Just make sure you don’t give it back to the same person that gave it to you! Re-gifting is not a bad idea if you know you don’t love the item or if you know you’ll never use it.
5. Shop for Brand New Items at Thrift Stores
You can find brand new items at thrift stores at a low price. You’ll be able to tell since the items usually still have the tag hanging on them or the item is still in the box. You’ll pay way less for the item at a thrift store than you would at a retail store.
6. Shop the Deals at Amazon
I check the Deals at Amazon throughout the year to see if there’s anything that would make a great Christmas gift. Amazon is my favorite go-to place for most of my holiday shopping needs!
Remember, you don’t have to go into debt in December because of Christmas gifts. If you plan your shopping ahead of time and complete your shopping throughout the year, you’ll save money and have all of your shopping done early. Then, you can enjoy a less stressful holiday season!
When you really think about it, Christmas is a holiday jam packed with strange traditions. A jolly, fat man who comes down the chimney in the dead of night to deliver gifts? Hanging old socks from the fireplace mantle in hopes that they’ll be filled with trinkets in the morning? Both are odd, that’s for sure, but no tradition is stranger than chopping down a tree, dragging it into the house, and decorating it with hundreds of colored ornaments and lights.
But as odd as it may seem, the Christmas tree is still my favorite part of the holiday. And with trees ranging in price from $25 (for the sickly little real ones) all the way up to $500 (for the spectacular fake ones), it can also be pretty costly.
1. Buy A Fake Tree
I’m a real tree kind of gal (always have been, always will be), but the easiest way to eliminate the annual $50 to $75 cost of buying a real tree is buy buying an artificial one. Sure, there’s the initial cost of the tree, but after that, it’s paid for. You just have to drag it out of the attic and set it up. And the best part? No pine needles on the carpet.
Even though a good artificial Christmas tree will cost anywhere from $100 to $300, you can cut that cost in half by buying your tree in the days after Christmas when stores slash prices on their holiday stuff. You can also shop your local thrift stores to find great deals on fake trees. While you’re at it, feel free to stock up on wrapping paper and decorations for next year!
2. Buy A Real Tree
If you’re buying a real tree, you’ve got two options: The tree lot at the mall (or dozens of other places in your area) or a cut-it-down-yourself tree farm. Prices vary widely at both places, so be sure to shop around to find the best deals. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $10 per foot, depending upon the type of tree and where you live (you don’t even want to know what people pay for real trees in Hawaii!).
3. Cut One Down In Your Backyard
If you have a backyard or some woodland with a selection in it, you might consider finding and cutting down your own tree. Total cost: Absolutely nothing! Of course, that’s assuming you can find a suitable tree. You might have to make some compromises when it comes to finding the “perfect” tree, but you can’t beat the price, right?
If you do decide to chop from your own stock, be sure to plant another tree it its place. In two or three years, it should be ready for its Christmas debut!
Do you have any tips on saving money on a Christmas tree?
It’s that time of year again! The holidays are fast approaching and that means it’s time to start thinking about your Christmas gift budget.
Whether you’re looking to save money this year or just want to be more organized, planning ahead can make a big difference.
Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Christmas is around the corner!
You can already see the deals circulating around for the holiday season!
Amazon, Target, and Walmart are my favorite shopping destinations and you’ll find me browsing there regularly! Other retailers that I like to browse are Best Buy and Kohl’s.
Although the holidays are approaching and near, have you put much thought into what you are going to be spending over the holidays or what you’ve already spent?
It’s very important to sit down early and start planning out your Christmas Gift Budget. This should not take very long and could end up saving you money if you plan well.
Plan Your Christmas Gift Budget
1. First, find a quiet place to plan, away from the kids and other distractions.
2. With a notepad and pencil, write down everyone that you plan to buy gifts for over Christmas.
Consider family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, teachers, holiday party gift exchanges, and other special gifts that you may buy each year.
Try to reuse gift bags and accessories from last year if you have some left. Packaging costs can be expensive, so be sure to plan for this. The dollar store has great prices on gift packaging.
3. Set your overall gift budget.
Do you plan to spend $100 this year on Christmas gifts? $500? $1000+?
Be sure to take a look at your finances before hand to see what you can afford. Are you having to put everything on credit?
Take a step back and try to find more frugal ways of gift giving so that you do not end up in debt this holiday season because of gift giving.
Do you make gifts or have a gift closet that you can pull from that could cut costs?
3. Assign a limit to what you will spend on each gift, and stick to it.
Consider taxes, especially if its a high dollar gift.
For example, if you only want to spend $25 on a child, try to find something that is $20-$23 so that after taxes, you aren’t going over your budget.
4. Decide what you plan to get each member on your list.
There are so many gift options to choose from this year!
Assign a category to each member you plan to buy for. Make sure it is something that will work with your budget.
Do you have to make a trip to the mall for the gift? Is this something that you will be purchasing online? I personally complete most of my shopping online at Amazon each year!
Be sure to keep in mind shipping costs and taxes if you will be buying online and make sure that this too, will work with your budget.
After your list is complete, combine shopping trips and take care of getting each gift at each specific store.
You don’t want to have to spend extra on gas from traveling back and forth to the same store, when you could have gotten everything all at once!
6. Consider how you will be paying for each item. Which gifts will you be paying cash for? Which gifts will go on credit? Which gifts do you already have at home from sales/stocking up?
Do you have a rewards program that will take care of a few gifts or any gift cards laying around that need to be cashed in?
Don’t forget to cash in your Fetch Rewards points for gift cards if you have any points to redeem!
7. Gather any coupons you have that match your gift ideas.
If you receive coupons in the mail, this is the time to use these if they are not expired. You also still have time to wait to see if any of these items go on sale.
8. Decide the deadline for purchasing these gifts. When do you need to have them purchased and wrapped by?
Is there a party at the beginning of December? Can you wait until closer to Christmas?
9. Add up your spending column for each gift and make sure that you have not gone over your budget.
Go through and make any changes if you have gone over your budget.
10. Plan your shopping trips, take your list with you, and enjoy saving money and staying within your budget this holiday season!
Do you have a Christmas gift budget already in place?
Do you plan to create one?
Let us know your thoughts on a Christmas budget below. Be sure to add any tips that work for you.
As the summer dwindles and the first day of school quickly approaches, students and parents across the globe find themselves embarking on the annual ritual of back-to-school shopping.
If you’re on a budget this year, there’s no need to worry – you can still gear up for the academic year with supplies that won’t break the bank.
I’ve put together a list of ten essential back-to-school items that you can find for under $10.
But first, if you’re in a hurry and want to shop from the comfort of your home, browse through these easy categories at Walmart for back to school supplies.
Geometry isn’t the only place where these tools come in handy.
From drawing perfectly straight lines to measuring objects for science projects, a good ruler and protractor can be useful additions to any student’s toolbox – and you can find these for less than $10.
7. Erasers:
Mistakes happen, but with a good eraser, they don’t have to be permanent. Whether you prefer the old-school pink erasers or the high precision of pen-like erasers, you can easily find these for under $10.
8. Index Note Cards:
Index note cards are a proven tool for learning and memorization.
Available in various sizes, and even in different colors for categorization, index note cards are a budget-friendly study aid, easily found under $10.
9. Pencil Case:
A stylish pencil case not only helps to keep writing tools organized but also adds a bit of flair to a student’s school supplies.
Whether it’s a simple zip pouch or a multi-compartment case, you can find a plethora of designs for under $10.
10. Lunch Boxes:
While not a traditional school supply, lunch boxes are a back-to-school necessity.
Keep meals fresh and safe with a variety of affordable options – insulated bags, bento boxes, sandwich containers – all for under $10.
This list just scratches the surface of what’s available for students on a budget.
Shopping for back-to-school supplies doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. With these essential items under $10, students will be well-prepared for the school year without stretching their wallets too thin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where are the best places to find inexpensive school supplies?
Many traditional retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Dollar General offer back-to-school supplies at affordable prices. Online marketplaces like Amazon also provide a wide variety of options. Thrift stores and second-hand shops can also yield surprisingly affordable finds.
2. When is the best time to buy back-to-school supplies?
The best time to buy school supplies is usually during late July and August when retailers offer back-to-school sales. However, keep an eye out for deals throughout the year as many stores offer sales during other holidays and events.
3. Can I buy supplies in bulk to save money?
Bulk purchases, especially for items that are frequently used like pencils, pens, notebooks, and folders, can often be more cost-effective.
4. Are there apps or websites that can help me find the best deals?
Apps like Rakuten or RetailMeNot can alert you to coupons, sales, and cash back offers. Websites like CamelCamelCamel can track price changes on Amazon to help you find the best deal.
5. How do I determine if a deal is good or not?
Consider the quality, quantity, and the unit price of the item. If the item is of high quality, comes in a large quantity, and the cost per unit is lower than other options, it’s probably a good deal.
6. Should I buy name-brand items?
While name-brand items can sometimes offer better quality, they are often more expensive. Many generic or store-brand items offer comparable quality at a fraction of the price.
7. How can I save money on high-ticket items like calculators or backpacks?
Look for sales during the back-to-school season, use cash back apps, or consider purchasing gently used items from online marketplaces. Some retailers also offer price match guarantees.
8. What are some unexpected places to find budget school supplies?
Craft stores, office supply stores, and even grocery stores often have a section for school supplies that can offer great deals. Online marketplaces, such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace, can also have new or lightly-used school supplies at lower prices.
9. Are digital supplies a cheaper alternative?
In some cases, yes. Many apps and software that students need are available for free or at a reduced cost. However, remember that digital supplies also require devices like tablets or computers, which can be expensive.
10. Is it cheaper to shop online or in-store for school supplies?
Both can have their advantages. Online shopping can be more convenient and it’s easier to compare prices, while shopping in-store allows you to see the actual product and there’s no need to wait for shipping. Check both options to see where you can get the best deal.
Starting to save in August gives you plenty of time to build up a good cushion of funds for the holiday season. This not only includes Christmas but Thanksgiving, New Year, and any other holidays or events you might celebrate.
In addition, planning ahead allows us to make strategic financial decisions. It’s easier to save $200 over four months than to scramble to save $800 in November.
Starting early alleviates stress, and let’s be honest – the holiday season has enough stress as it is!
How Much Should You Save?
This can vary widely depending on your personal financial situation and your holiday plans.
Start by considering what your expenses were last year – gifts, food, decor, travel, and any additional costs.
If this is your first time setting a budget, start by estimating. Remember, it’s better to overestimate and have money left over than to underestimate and go over budget.
Once you have your estimated total, divide that by the number of weeks (or pay periods) between now and the holiday season. That gives you the amount you need to save each week or month.
Creating a Holiday Savings Account
Consider setting up a separate holiday savings account. This is a great way to avoid dipping into your holiday funds for other expenses.
Many banks allow you to set up free savings accounts. Plus, having a separate account can make tracking your savings progress easier and more motivating.
Cutting Back and Saving More
Identify areas where you can cut back and start saving more. Perhaps you can skip a few takeout meals, cut back on unnecessary shopping, or cancel a subscription service you rarely use.
Every bit you can funnel into your holiday savings will help. Make these sacrifices a part of your daily routine, and you’ll barely notice the difference in your lifestyle, but your savings account will certainly feel the impact!
Plan Your Shopping in Advance
Part of the reason we end up overspending during the holiday season is because of last-minute panic buying.
By planning your gifts ahead of time, you can spread the cost over several months and also take advantage of sales and discounts.
Write a list of all the people you want to gift and brainstorm gift ideas for each person. Then, keep an eye out for deals on those items in the lead-up to the holidays.
Shopping in this manner can save you money and also avoid the stress of last-minute shopping.
DIY Gifts and Decor
Do-it-yourself gifts and decorations can add a personal touch to the holidays, and they can also save you a lot of money.
From homemade candles and bath bombs to hand-knit scarves or personalized photo albums, there’s a wealth of DIY gift ideas out there.
Start working on these projects in August, and you’ll have plenty of time to create something truly special without feeling rushed.
The same goes for holiday decor – homemade decorations can look just as festive as store-bought ones, and can also become cherished holiday traditions.
Saving on Holiday Meals
Holiday meals can be another significant expense. Start planning your menus early and look out for sales and discounts on non-perishable items you can buy in advance.
Consider hosting a potluck-style meal where everyone brings a dish, spreading out the cost among the group. Not only does this save money, but it also introduces a wider variety of dishes to the meal!
Conclusion
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, not financial stress. By starting your saving plan in August, you give yourself the best chance to enjoy the festivities without worrying about your budget.
The goal is to create a holiday experience that is satisfying and joyful, without leaving you with a financial hangover in January.
Happy saving, and here’s to a frugal, festive, and fabulous holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I start saving for the holidays in August?
Starting to save in August gives you four months to build up a good cushion of funds for the holiday season. This not only includes Christmas but also other holidays you might celebrate. It’s easier and less stressful to save money over several months than to try to save a large amount in a short time.
How can I determine how much I should save for the holidays?
This can vary widely depending on your personal financial situation and your holiday plans. Start by considering what your expenses were last year – gifts, food, decor, travel, etc. Divide that total by the number of weeks (or pay periods) between now and the holiday season to figure out how much you should be saving each week or month.
What is the benefit of having a separate holiday savings account?
A separate holiday savings account makes it easier to avoid dipping into your holiday funds for other expenses. It also allows you to track your savings progress more easily. Many banks allow you to set up additional savings accounts for free.
How can I save more money for the holidays?
Identify areas where you can cut back. This could mean skipping takeout meals, cutting back on shopping, or canceling a subscription service you rarely use. Each bit you can save and put into your holiday fund helps.
How can planning my shopping in advance help save money?
Planning your gifts ahead of time allows you to spread the cost over several months and take advantage of sales and discounts. Plus, it helps you avoid overspending caused by last-minute panic buying.
Are DIY gifts a good idea?
DIY gifts can not only save you money but also add a personal touch to your gifts. There are plenty of DIY gift ideas online, and starting in August gives you plenty of time to work on these projects.
How can I save money on holiday meals?
Planning your meals early and buying non-perishable items in advance when they are on sale can help save money. You might also consider hosting a potluck-style meal where each guest contributes a dish, which can help spread out the cost.
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3. Use Rewards Points or Rebates
