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There’s Still Time for an Affordable Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the hardest time on your wallet. Christmas can be affordable if you plan ahead. Shopping year round is a great way to save. Here are a few tips to help your holiday budget this year and the years to come.
5 Tips for an Affordable Christmas
* Keep a list (I have a list on my phone of those we buy for, for Christmas and birthdays). A list will help you buy age appropriate gifts and also helps keep your budget on track, update your list when you purchase a gift for that person.
* Shop thrift stores, consignment sales and yard sales. I have found many brand new items this way at a fraction of the cost. Our area has three major consignment sales that I consign and shop at throughout the year. Typically, I break even or sometimes come out ahead. I get things my children need and gifts to add to our gift bin.
* Take time to check out the clearance items. This year I have found clothing items and toys at Walmart at rock bottom prices. On one trip, character pajamas were marked down to $1.00! After consulting my list on my phone I grabbed 20 pairs. Crazy 8 (a children’s clothing store) can be pricey, but when they have clearance, they really mark their clothing down. I recently purchased shirts there for just $1.79 each. There are many other stores who have great clearance prices such as Target, Kohl’s, Children’s Place and Sears just to name a few.
* Use store coupons. Take advantage of those coupons that come in the mail every week for the hobby and craft stores (AC Moore, Michael’s, Jo-Ann’s). Our AC Moore not only has a great selection of craft items, but they have a large selection of children’s toys, educational items and books. Bed, Bath and Beyond is another great store that offers weekly coupons at either 20% off or $5.00 off $15.00. Kohl’s (my personal favorite) offers coupons of usually 15% off your purchase and they often offer Kohl’s cash – rewards that can be used on a future purchase.
* Utilize internet bargain websites. There are many websites that post comparison shopping deals, that enable you to find the best deals possible. The sites I use the most to help me find online deals are www.fatwallet.com and www.spoofee.com. If you are looking to save money in your brick and mortar stores helpful websites to follow are: www.hip2save.com. www.moneysavingmom.com, and www.thekrazycouponlady.com.
By planning ahead, you can save a lot of money and be done your Christmas shopping before the hectic holiday season.
What are some other ways you cut costs during the holiday season?
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