Budget Friendly Tips for the Holidays + $300 GC Giveaway
2:36 PMThis post is brought to you in collaboration with H&R Block.
I have noticed that as the boys get older, there is a direct correlation between their age and the cost of the presents on their lists. Santa is going broke you all! Honestly, I am happy for the technology and all, but when it pushes the price of one present on their list to over $200, the holidays become hard to afford. Add the cost of visiting family, travel and everything else that goes on to celebrating this joyous time of year, and you are talking mega bucks. How can you make it more budget friendly?
Homemade Gifts
One easy way to make your budget last longer during the holidays is with beautiful homemade gifts. I am not talking about making necklaces out of pasta or anything, I am talking about homemade sugar scrubs or even goat milk soaps. Chic jars of cookie mixes, bread recipes or even dry soup mixes are other great options that friends and family would enjoy receiving, but won't break the bank.
Shop The Deals
During the holiday season there are no shortage of sales. Take to the Internet deal sites and weekly sales fliers in the paper to find the best deals on the hot items on your wish lists this year. With the right sales on days like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you can save upwards of 50% on certain items.
Stay Close to Home
To cut down on travel related expenses, stay close to home this year. Do you usually do a holiday season vacation, plan a staycation in your own city instead of driving or flying hours away. Invite family to come spend the holidays at your house so that you do not have to travel so far to see them if possible.
Consider a Line of Credit
Unexpected expenses always come up throughout the year, but they are never greater than they are around the holidays. When you need that little extra bit of help to make ends meet or fill those Christmas wish lists, an H&R Block Emerald Advance line of credit can be the difference you need. When you feel like there are no other options, the link of credit can help, with credit you can draw from when you need it all year long.
Want to learn more about the H&R Block Emerald Advance line of credit? You can do so on the H&R Block site. Applications open starting November 25th, and you don't need to be a current H&R Block customer to apply. Simply bring in a valid non-expired government issued ID and your recently pay stubs, and you can be approved for credit up to $1000 to help when you need it!
{Win}
To help with those extra holiday expenses and get you thinking about what you would do with a little extra money, H&R Block is offering one Life With 4 Boys reader the chance to win a $300 H&R Block gift card! Just enter using the Rafflecopter form below.
H&R Block has asked me to help promote the Emerald Advance Line of Credit. The prize was provided and may be shipped to the winner by H&R Block, but 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.
183 comments
i learned that I have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund
ReplyDeleteI learned you may apply in participating offices from November 25th 2013, through January 15th 2014
ReplyDeleteI learned you can use it year round
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ReplyDeleteKathleen - your "follow on Pinterest" link is wrong - it goes to H&R's FB page.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can get up to a $1000 loan
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ReplyDeletei learned that you can apply November 25th 2013, through January 15th 2014
ReplyDeletefreebiel0ve@yahoo.com
YOu can have access to credit all year~
ReplyDeleteThank Connie, I got it fixed. :)
ReplyDeleteVisited and learned You may apply in participating offices from November 25th 2013, through January 15th 2014. I looked at the making payments section and learned Minimum monthly payment of $25 or 4% of the outstanding balance, if greater. Balance due in full by February 15, 2014
ReplyDeleteIt is year round credit and you can use your tax return to pay it back.
ReplyDeleteI learned that it is a line of credit you can borrow and repay up to $1000.
ReplyDeleteI learned you can load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard for easy access.
ReplyDeleteI Learned That Consumers Have The Ability To Pay Down The Balance Of The Emerald Advance With A Portion Of Tax Returns If They Choose To Do So.
ReplyDeleteI learned that at myemeraldadvance.com you can view transactions, make payments, and view statements. Your account is also accessible through their mobile banking app, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is all new to me but I did learn
ReplyDeleteAbility to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose
I learned you can get $1000 a year.
ReplyDeleteThx for educating us about the H&R block emerald line of credit. That could come in handy.
ReplyDeleteThx for educating us about the H&R block emerald line of credit. That could come in handy.
ReplyDeleteI learned you have access to credit year round.
ReplyDeleteYou can apply for it at a local fofice.
ReplyDeleteThe Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000, depending on bank approval
ReplyDeleteEmerald Advance will be available in participating offices beginning November 25th
ReplyDeletesarah hirsch
Buy Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteIt'd help a lot with my Christmas shopping, and that I can maintain a line of credit of $1000, year-round.
ReplyDeleteYou can apply till jan 15
ReplyDeleteyou can use it all year round and just keep up with the payments!!
ReplyDeleteI learned that its available Nov 25th and could be a lifesaver in a time of need.
ReplyDeleteI learned that Line of credit is subject to credit and underwriting approval. I could not find how much the interest rate would be; that would be my only concern in regard to this concept.
ReplyDeleteThat you will have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can maintain your line of credit year-round
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ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
I learned that you need a current earning statement to apply
ReplyDeleteI learned there is only a $45 annual fee
ReplyDeleteHonestly, this is the first time I have heard about their credit line so that's new to me. But also that it's a line of credit that can be used all year long and you can pay it using your tax refund.
ReplyDeleteYou can use it through out the year.
ReplyDeleteI learned that, If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round
ReplyDeletebethelderton59 at gmail dot com
I found that you may be able to get a loan up t0 $1000.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
ReplyDeleteI learned If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
ReplyDeleterounder9834 @yahoo.com
I learned that there is a $45 Annual Fee which is assessed on the day the Emerald Advance is opened.
ReplyDeleteI learned you can access to credit year-round.
ReplyDeleteI learned that the Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000.
ReplyDeleteyou can get up to a $1000 loan. that is great for the holidays.
ReplyDeletegabbflabber@live.com
I learned that you can use it year-round for emergencies, car repairs, bills and other credit needs. Only borrow and repay the specific amount you need.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose!
ReplyDeleteI learned that you may be able to get a loan up to $1000.
ReplyDeleteI love that it is a line of credit up to $1000
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ReplyDeleteWendy T
I learned that I have the option of pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of my tax refund
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ReplyDeleteyou can only borrow what you need, up to $1000 max. and you can use a portion of your tax refund to pay the balance.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can get up to a $1000 loan.
ReplyDeleteyou can maintain your line of credit year-round
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® for easy access.
ReplyDeleteI can load funds drawn from my line of credit to my H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard.
ReplyDeletei learned you can take out loans of money from your acct
ReplyDeletevanitizebaby@yahoo.com
I learned that the late fee is only $7.50! They will not charge you more than 5 late fees per year!
ReplyDeleteDesiree H
The Emerald Advance Loan card essentially a credit card issued through H&R block.
ReplyDeleteYou can use it year round
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can use your tax refund to pay it off
ReplyDeleteNathansmommy619(At)Aol(Dot)com
I learned that you manage to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
ReplyDeletekellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
I learned that once approved, it is available to you year round in case of an emergency.
ReplyDeleteI learned there is a 45$ annual fee and &7.50 late fee.
ReplyDeleteI learned that the Emerald line of credit is access to a $1000 line of credit year-round once approved!
ReplyDeleteI learned that it is only a $45 annual fee to open your line of credit.
ReplyDeleteYou have access to the credit year round.
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ReplyDeleteI learned that Emerald Advance is available as early as the 25th of November! Right around the corner.
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ReplyDeleteJennifer Marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
I learned that you can maintain your line of credit all year long.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Marie
lilnursejen at yahoo dot com
i learned that it's avaliable year round.
ReplyDeleteit seems like a good thing.
kayleefaith1228@aol.com
You can use your tax refund to apply towards the balance
ReplyDeletejmcharries@cox.net
I learned that the balance can be paid down with part of my tax return
ReplyDeletedemureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I learned that with the Emerald Advance line of credit you get access to your credit year round.
ReplyDelete(entered as Danielle F.)
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a part of your tax refund.
I learned they have a mobile banking app to keep track of your balance.
ReplyDeleteapril yedinak
I learned that you can have access to credit year round.
ReplyDeleteIf approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round
ReplyDeleteI learned that there are No setup fee, no monthly activity fee, no overdraft fee, no fees on purchases, or customer service calls.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you could get up to a 1000 line of credit.
ReplyDeleteMake purchases, pay bills114 and get cash at ATMs.117 No setup fee, no monthly activity fee, no overdraft fee, no fees on purchases, or customer service calls. Keep more of your hard-earned money to use on whatever you want.
ReplyDeleteView a chart of all fees
The Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000 depending on bank approval.
ReplyDelete@griswald60
i learned there's a $45 annual fee
ReplyDeleteThe Emerald Advance is a line of credit you can draw from as you need it. You can use it year-round for unexpected expenses and other short-term credit needs.
ReplyDeleteI learned that it will become available on November 25th.
ReplyDeletelearned you can use it year - round
ReplyDeletekport207 at gmail dot com
I learned that If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round
ReplyDeleteYou can load money from your line of credit onto a prepaid card.
ReplyDeleteI learned that H&R Block gives you the option of paying down the balance on the Emerald Advance with your tax refund, if you so choose.
ReplyDeleteGeoff K
gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com
I learned that you can load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald card for easy access.
ReplyDeleteHolly Storm-Burge
hstorm799{at}gmail{dot}com
I learned you can If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can maintain/manage your line of credit year round!
ReplyDeleteI learned that the Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000. depending on bank approval.
ReplyDeleteI learned you have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
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ReplyDeleteYou may apply in participating offices from November 25th 2013, through January 15th 2014
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ReplyDeleteI learned that it is good to use through January.
ReplyDeleteIt's available November 25th and you can get a line of credit up to $1000.
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ReplyDelete$45 annual fee seems a bit much
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can have a line of credit and you can borrow up to $1000.
ReplyDeleteYou can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
ReplyDeleteKimberley Meier
momof3chaos at gmail dot com
you can get $1000 a year!
ReplyDeleteI learned you can draw from it all year long when you need it!
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ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
If you're approved, you can have credit access all year round.
ReplyDeleteYou can get a loan of $1000 for your taxes
ReplyDelete•Access to credit year-round
ReplyDeleteLearned that you have bility to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose
ReplyDeletei learned you can file online
ReplyDeleteJOSEPH GERSCH
I learned that there is a $45 annual fee.
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ReplyDeleteI learned a benefit of emerald advance is the Ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose
ReplyDeletestephanie ann
I learned "The Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000126, depending on bank approval"
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can apply November 25th 2013, through January 15th 2014.
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ReplyDeleteI have learned that you can use this at any time of the year, not just the holidays.
ReplyDeletethe balance can be paid down with your tax refund
ReplyDeleteYou can maintain your line of credit year round if approved.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund
ReplyDeleteRichard Hicks
I learned If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round
ReplyDeleteI learned that If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round
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I learned that you can get up to a $1000 loan
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ReplyDeleteBrittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com
I learned that you can pay down your balance with your tax returns
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ReplyDeleteI learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
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You can pay your balance down with your taxes,use the card year around,and they will even do your taxes and get you more money back
ReplyDeleteYou can earn a $1000 a year!
ReplyDeleteyou can get up to $1000 a year! danielle marie xdanimarie(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou can use your return to pay off the balance.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can use this line of credit all year around and can get up to a $1000 line of credit.
ReplyDeleteyou can get up to 1000 in credit
ReplyDeleteI learned that the Emerald Advance is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000 depending on bank approval.
ReplyDeletei learned you can use it year round and can use your tax refund to pay it down
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can apply November 25th 2013, through January 15th 2014.
ReplyDeleteI learned that they offer loans up to $1,000.00
ReplyDeleteAngela Newsome
anikasmom@live.com
it is a line of credit you can borrow and repay up to $1000.
ReplyDeleteThat it can used year round.
ReplyDeletethere's a $45 annual fee
ReplyDeleteYou can have your check direct deposited onto the card. Thank you!
ReplyDeletecrystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com
I learned that there is a 36% Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Wow, really high.
ReplyDeleteheymissvirginia at embarqmail.com
I Dont use Credit, Just Cash..
ReplyDeleteI learned that if you qualify for the credit ots available all year round.
ReplyDeleteAccess to credit year-round- sounds great!
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ReplyDeleteYou can use it year-round if you want to!
ReplyDeleteI learned that you have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose
ReplyDeleteI learned that you can manage your Emerald account online which is great! I do everything online!
ReplyDeleteI learned that If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round !
ReplyDeletektgonyea at gmail dot com
Access to credit year-round..that's good & $45 Annual Fee – Assessed on the day the Emerald Advance is opened...ok then :o)
ReplyDelete(lisa lo) rc form
If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round
ReplyDeleteI learned that there's access year-round.
ReplyDelete"If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round127."
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ReplyDeleteI learned that you can use your income tax return to pay it off!
ReplyDeleteyou can apply in your local office very simple until jan 15th
ReplyDeleteIf approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
ReplyDeleteI learned you can use it year round
ReplyDeleteI learned that you have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
ReplyDeleteI learned that it gives you the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose!
ReplyDeleteYou can use it year round
ReplyDeleteI learned that the annual fee is only $45, and you can use it year-round. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI learned Load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard for easy access
ReplyDeletei learned that i can get up to a $1000 loan.
ReplyDeleteI like that if I qualified and was approved, I could maintain the line of credit around the year.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you have access to credit all year long.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Tucker
I learned you can have access to credit all year.
ReplyDeleteI learned that you are able to borrow and re-pay up to $1,000.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway…$45 Annual Fee – Assessed on the day the Emerald Advance is opened
ReplyDeleteRafflecopter: Bryan E.