Tips on Affording the Holidays + $300 GC Giveaway
10:09 PM
Black Friday has officially kicked off the start of the holiday season and we are all feeling our wallets getting a little lighter. So how do you afford everything. Gifts for grandma, the kids and everyone else in between. With all the expense, many people (myself included) are struggling to figure out how to make it work. These tips can help you save money and budget for the holidays.
{Saving a Little Really Adds Up}
I try to find small ways to save a little bit of money up for the holidays throughout the year. Back in June I opened an Even Up savings account with my bank. This account rounds my purchases up to the nearest dollar amount when I make a purchase with my debit card and puts those cents into a separate savings account. I have not touched it since then and have an extra $250 for Christmas shopping. Finding small ways to save can really add up.
{Shop the Deals}
Black Friday isn't the only day of the year you can save money. There are deals all throughout the holiday season, you just have to be willing to keep your eyes open and do some research. Research sales fliers and online deals and discounts to get the best price. You can easily save 40-50 percent on purchases with a little vigilance.
{Take Out a Cash Advance}
If all else fails and you just need a small advance on money that you know is coming in, a cash advance could save the holiday! H&R Block's Emerald Advance credit line can give you up to $1,000 in cash for what you need now. You don't need to be a previous customer of H&R Block to enter, you just need a valid photo ID and your most recent paycheck stub, not even a W-2! You can check out more on the Emerald Advance credit line at the link above.
{Win It}
H&R Block knows how hard it is to afford the holidays. They are giving one Life With 4 Boys reader $300 to help with your shopping this year. You can enter using the Rafflecopter form below and the giveaway is open to US residents 18+ only.
The prize was provided by H&R Block and may be shipped to the winner by H&R Block, but H&R Block is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of H&R Block. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US only. Winner to be chosen at random.
159 comments
Watching the sales and shopping on Black Friday (online, from home!) and Cyber Monday. :)
ReplyDeleteI like to do all the trimmings and stocking stuffers myself to money since that all adds up.
ReplyDeleteI write up a list with a budget before I start shopping and I stick to it. I also look for bigger priced items online and in newspaper adds to see where I can get the best price.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
Have a list and set a budget! Find everything I can online on sale and skip wasting gas and time driving.
ReplyDeleteMake the holidays about enjoying life and family and friends instead of who can purchase the most expensive gift. Make pacts with family and friends to search for unique and interesting items that aren't pricey but fit perfectly for the giftee.
ReplyDeleteWatch for sales and shop throughout the year and stash it away
ReplyDeletedebbie jackson
djackson1958 at hotmail dot com
I definitely shop the deals around the holidays. I love using Amazon Prime to get fast shipping, plus Amazon has great deals all the time!
ReplyDeletei run around and use all the coupons for all the different stores to make the holidays the most affordable.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely shop around and find the best sales. Don't just settle on one store. Use coupons whenever possible, and also take advantage of rebates.
ReplyDeleteShopping WITHOUT the kids is a sure way to spend less! Of course that means shopping after they go to bed when I am exhausted!
ReplyDeletecompare prices, use coupons, and start early!!
ReplyDeletesweetheart4171(at)yahoo(dot)com
I save money on Christmas gifts by shopping sales year around. For the remaining things on my list, I compare prices online and use promo codes when possible.
ReplyDeleteI like to give gift cards because you can set a limit and stick to it. Our local supermarket also has gas rewards that I can get by buying my gift cards there. Check around for rewards deals in your area.
ReplyDeleteI have a budget and watch the sales and shop Black Friday. I will also buy presents any time of the year if I find a good deal on something.
ReplyDeleteAds, price matches and online coupons!!
ReplyDeleteI do price comparing and shop during sales!
ReplyDeleteAmanda Sakovitz on rafflecopter form
family pictures make great gifts
ReplyDeletessgsweeps @hotmail .com
I don't go overboard on the Christmas shopping and I make a budget and compare prices. I also figure out what I'm going to buy for everyone beforehand, it helps.
ReplyDeletePrice comparison is essential during holidays. Also shop online via cash back site and use coupon codes.
ReplyDeleteuse coupons and watch for sales, and use ebates
ReplyDeleteuse lots of coupons and shop during sales.
ReplyDeleterounder9834 @yahoo.com
stick to your budget!! always look for coupons and deals!
ReplyDeletesteph coupons
i watch of sales!
ReplyDeletefreebiel0ve@yahoo.com
I start shopping a few months in advance and get things on sale.
ReplyDeletemarcia.goss@gmail.com
I start scouring the internet, papers, stores, and everything else to see deals or sales. We also have a small group of people that email or text others when they see a good sale at a store. If you are patient the item you want will be on sale, probably multiple times, before Christmas arrives.
ReplyDeleteI compare prices on everything. I also try to shop online and use free shipping codes.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip on saving money during the holidays is to really watch the sales, use online coupon sites and free shipping offers.
ReplyDeleteapril yedinak
using coupon codes and shopping online
ReplyDeletekport207 at gmail dot com
My family and I never use credit cards. We save up throughout the year and do overtime. I also watch for sweepstakes throughout the year from my favorite bloggers. When I win something I tuck it away for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI make jams (blackberry, strawberry, apricot...) during the summer in small decorative jars, then bake lemon bread (I've got a lemon tree) and put it all together in a pretty basket. For adults, I add a pretty bottle of blackberry liquour (home made also).
ReplyDeletesksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
I like to watch for sales and get stores to do price matches!
ReplyDeletetamilynn59@yahoo.com
Keeping a budget.
ReplyDeletedavidholder3@gmail.com
wait for sales and free shipping (i do all my shopping online)
ReplyDeleteSearch ahead of time and find the best deals before heading out.
ReplyDeleteAlways look for sales, use coupons and codes, check prices online.
ReplyDeleteshop early
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to purchase things throughout the year and use coupons as often as possible (d schmidt rafflecopter)
ReplyDeleteAlways make a list so you are less likely to impulse buy
ReplyDeleteI save money throughout the year and also buy gifts all year when their on sale.
ReplyDeleteTrack prices on the Internet and compare them between stores. Also look at store circulars for coupons.
ReplyDeleteName on rafflecopter: Mary Happymommy
Keep a list so you don't forget the presents you've already purchased.
ReplyDeleteUse coupons and shop for items on sale
ReplyDeleteelena150980 at yahoo dot com
I set up a santa saver account & put money in it every paycheck.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway >^..^<
Research items before buying them
ReplyDeleteMy way of saving money is being prepared by making a list of the gifts you want to purchase, and sticking to it.
ReplyDeleteI always use coupon codes whenever I order online
ReplyDeleteOnline Coupon Codes is my favorite way to shop and save
ReplyDeleteI use coupons
ReplyDeletemerleandtina@yahoo.com
I use the envelope system. I put cash into envelopes and mark the recipient’s name on each one. When I’m shopping, I only use what’s in the envelope and then put the receipt in the same envelope when I’ve made my purchases. This way I don’t go over my budget and I can keep track of the receipts in case there’s something that needs to be returned.
ReplyDeleteI like to comparison shop online to be sure I'm getting the best price.
ReplyDeleteBuy things ahead of time when on sale and save them for the holidays!
ReplyDeleteJennifer Marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
cutting coupons!
ReplyDeletevanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
Draw names for gift-giving. Don't feel pressured to give everyone something. s2inamug at aim dot com
ReplyDeleteDon't spend more than you have and be sure to use coupons online and in store, and watch for sales.
ReplyDeletewe do secret santa and buy for just 1 person!
ReplyDeleteI put money in a separate savings account all year and then when the holiday's get here I have the extra money.
ReplyDeleteShop early on clearance racks and try to win your Christmas gifts!!
ReplyDeleteI save gift cards all year and only purchase gifts with gift cards!
ReplyDeleteshop the sales papers and comparison shop online. I don't buy anything big without searching online for the best price. A lot of stores are matching prices so don't forget that too. Thank you!
ReplyDeletecrystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com
I set a dollar limit for each person before beginning shopping, make a list for each person, and then make sure I stick to it.
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
shop sales and stick to your list (Nancy Partin)
ReplyDeleteDont put anything on credit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
Pare down your must give list. Your extended family would probably appreciate it too. I'm only buying what I can pay cash for.
ReplyDeleteI put a little money away each month so that when the holidays arrive I don't have to pull money from what's currently coming in. It makes a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteheatheranne99 at gmail dot com
We just do not even attempt to buy presents for "one and all". We have begun to do ONLY the children. LOL Who have too much anyhow! But it is fun to get them something to open. The wee ones who believe in Santa are the most fun to gift.
ReplyDeleteSet up Google Alerts for your Hot Items so you can know instantly when you can get a good price!
ReplyDeleteShop sales after Christmas!
ReplyDeleteStart shopping as early as possible. It never hurts!
ReplyDeleteI shop throughout the year and use coupons and watch items when they go on sale:)
ReplyDeletejmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
I save money by shopping throughout the year and buying things when they are on sale!
ReplyDeletePlan a budget and stick to it. Also shop throughout the year if you can
ReplyDeleteI shop all year if I come across good deals. And I always look online for deals/coupons/free shipping.
ReplyDeleteA great way to say is by doing surveys on the internet ahead of time! Most pay in Amazon or Visa Gift Certificates/Cards and you can easily shop for grandchildren with these!
ReplyDeleteMAKE your gifts. This year I'm personalizing hot pads and towels.
ReplyDeleteOnly buy what you can afford....with cash.
ReplyDeleteI save money by staying out of the malls and mking homemade gifts.
ReplyDeletehelenkeeler1949@gmail.com
I put money aside and that is all that is in the budget and I try to do alot of homemade things sewing and baking~
ReplyDeleteBuy gifts on sale all year round and check them off your list.
ReplyDeletetry to shop on black friday and cyber monday to save a few dollars.
ReplyDeleteWe use a Christmas club account and stay within that budget so NO Credit cards are used at Christmas.
ReplyDeletecoupons..
ReplyDeleteenter contests...
I buy presents on sale the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteI keep my eyes peeled at my local thrift stores, alot of times they get discontinued items from stores, and I have saved alot of money buying new products from my favorite thrift stores! I shop them for gifts the whole year through.
ReplyDeletei research for prices, use coupons or codes, try to find free shipping, buy on sale, buy early. i do what i can...
ReplyDeleteI shop throughout the year and take advantage of closeout sales, flash sales
ReplyDeleteAny gift cards/extra monies I get throughout the year go towards Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com
save throughout the year
ReplyDeletebettty grace
tthomason0031@hotmail.com
I shop sales and clearance year around so I don't have a huge amount to pay all at once.
ReplyDeletetraymona[at]aol.com
watch emails for the sales and use coupons
ReplyDeleteI shop year round and avoid last minute shopping which can end up costing more (Debra L. Guillen)
ReplyDeleteAlways check clearance shelves. Sometimes there are great gifts.
ReplyDeleteCheck clearance shelves and racks...and you could teach your family that 1 gift is really all that is necessary..if that...the adults no longer exchange gifts...we all just do 1 gift for the kids in each family...like board games or family passes to fun things in the area to do
ReplyDeleteDo your research so you know you are getting the best deal
ReplyDeleteI make some of my gifts - like necklaces, scarves hats and mittens.
ReplyDeleteGet my supplies on sale through out the year.
Thank you.
We quit soda entirely, better off all the way around.
ReplyDeleteMatch sales with coupons.
ReplyDeleteFind & follow deal-seekers on twitter to stay up-to-date with giveaways & deals!
ReplyDeleteCheck the price comparison sites for the best bargains, set up alerts for the things you want
ReplyDeleteI always watch prices through the year and combine online discounts and coupons, and I also use ebates for cash back.
ReplyDeleteI normally shop throughout the whole year. I pick up bargains and by thanksgiving I am through shopping.
ReplyDeleteMake your list, stick to it and wait for the sales.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to actually make a budget per person (spend $30 on Uncle Mike, etc.) and stick to it. It works for me every year!
ReplyDeletelooking for deals online
ReplyDeleteSearch for coupons on your smartphone while you shop in stores. There are lots out there.
ReplyDeleteI used coupons and always looked for deals.
ReplyDeleteCheaper is better. I just go for the best prices I can get!!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to compare prices online against store circulars for the best deals.
ReplyDeletekellywcuATyahooDOTcom
Shop all year long for best deals and use cash back sites with free shipping.
ReplyDeletekeep track of sales
ReplyDeletejessicawedwards@gmail.com
save a little each month
ReplyDeleteJudy s
pookiecat123 at yahoo dot com
Start shopping all the sales right after Christmas for the following year.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to price compare. I often use Google Shopping and Nextag to compare prices in different retailers
ReplyDeleteNathansmommy619(At)aol(dot)com
I try to shop at places like TJ Maxx an Gordman's,saves a bunch of money!
ReplyDeletelook for sales whenever possible
ReplyDeletegabbflabber@live.com
If you shop online, always look for discount codes
ReplyDeleteMake a list and so lots of price comparison. Also, start buying gifts way before the holidays. When you shop at the last minute you tend to pick up overpriced things.
ReplyDeletewatch for free shipping.
ReplyDeletepintworks at hotmail dot com
shop around and find the best sales
ReplyDeleteDon't use credit cards. If you can't pay for it with cash, you can't afford it!
ReplyDeleteNo credit cards, I use cash only
ReplyDeleteI put $20 a week up all year long for the holidays.
ReplyDeleteI shop sales, deals and use coupons. Molly Bussler
ReplyDeletemake a budget and stick to it
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! Janna Johnson jannajanna@hotmail.com Janna@feedyourpig on gfc
I put up things for gifts all year long
ReplyDeleteaddictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
My best tip would be to buy after Christmas sales to find cheap items to give the following Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMy tip for saving money is look for presents ahead of time and buy them when they are on sale if it will be lower than the xmas sales that they have. My other tip is to buy things in bulk when they are on sale or if you have a coupon for them.
ReplyDeleteShop the sales & use coupons/coupon codes.
ReplyDeletecalidreamin87 (at) gmail (dot) com
On saving money and affording the holiday...I just remember the reason for the season and know that it is not about gifts, excess and hoopla. I'm taking a stand against the whole commercialization aspect of the month.
ReplyDelete*Wendy T on Rafflecopter
Comparison shop online and use credit card and/or website cash back programs!
ReplyDeleteI try to buy christmas things in the sales after christmas, ready for next year
ReplyDeletesweepymummy at yahoo dot com
search for coupon codes on the internet jen gersch intime@myself.com
ReplyDeleteShop year round so you don't spend so much at Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteI try to re-use decoration from previous year, it rally helps me save some $$
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to start your shopping early and always do comparison shopping!
ReplyDeleterjwashington2000@yahoo.com
My bank has a handy feature, they pull a specific amount from my checking account each month and put it in my savings account. It's great!
ReplyDeleteI buy gifts through out the year whenever they go on sale
ReplyDeleteshop the sales when you have toy coupons that can be used on sale merchandise!
ReplyDeleteOnline shopping and price matching!
ReplyDeleteCoupons,online shopping, shopping through the year.
ReplyDeletelook for coupon codes using search engines
ReplyDeleteBuy gifts throughout the year when they are on sale.
ReplyDeleteShop all year long so you can pick your price and don't get stuck paying last minute prices.
ReplyDeletesave a little every month. shop thrift stores.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
Watch for sales, shop online and use ebates and coupon codes
ReplyDeleteI shop year round and also make some of my presents to save money (Debra L. Guillen)
ReplyDeletedont spend what you dont have
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to make a list and shop for specific items, AND to find freebies! There are lots of them online, and if an item is full size, it makes a great stocking stuffer!
ReplyDeleteI love using coupons this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI did surverys throughout the year and entered giveaways with Amazon codes so by the time Christmas came around I was able to get presents for my kids for free. Otherwise our budget is very tight and I wouldn't have been able to afford presents.
ReplyDeletesnowwolf222@yahoo.com
I coupon throughout the year and also have a christmas savings club set up that I put money into throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to stick to your budget and look around for the best deals. Last year we spent less than we planned but got all we wanted and more because we shopped around!
ReplyDeleteCompare prices online before you even go to the store, and know your store's ad matching policy and coupon policy. Many stores will at least ad match during the holidays so you don't have to go to multiple stores.
ReplyDeletestart early and look for sales coupons and discounts - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
ReplyDeleteI usually use coupons, follow sales and put aside some money from my paycheck every month!
ReplyDeleteannemarie562000(at)yahoo(dot)com
I use price matching to get the best possible deal
ReplyDeleteDo your shopping all year long. I look through all clearance racks I come across. You never know what you might find. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletesweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com
If you can, wait to do your Christmas shopping until after Christmas (when everything is discounted) or give gift cards so that money goes further
ReplyDeleteStick to the list!
ReplyDeleteplan ahead and don't buy on impulse!
ReplyDelete