Dedicate Savings<\/strong><\/h3>\nStart by dedicating a specific place to put your Christmas savings. Whether it\u2019s a savings account at the bank, an envelope in your home safe or even a cookie jar.<\/p>\n
Make A Budget Cut<\/strong><\/h3>\nReview your family expenses and find something to cut out. Cut out cable or reduce your cell phone minutes. If you reduce a monthly expense by $20, put that automatically into savings and by next Christmas, you\u2019ll have over $200.<\/p>\n
Start Buying Now<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe day after Christmas is the best time to start filling your gift closet. There are many items significantly marked down or on clearance. Buying items on clearance and spreading your purchases out, will help reduce going into debt during the holidays.<\/p>\n
Make Gifts<\/h3>\n
We are starting this week making presents for my nephews and sister. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to gifts we plan to make this year. There are loads of good ideas that go way beyond popsicle stick picture frames and loom potholders. The fort kits we made a few years ago are still talked about and treasured by my nephews. My mother also received one to keep at her house for when the grandchildren come over to play.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"\/\/thehappyhousewife.com\/frugal-living\/files\/2012\/11\/Christmas-Saving-Jar.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nStart Earning Rewards<\/h3>\n
Sign up for a reward program like Swagbucks<\/a> and earn points that you can put towards gift cards. Swagbucks allows you to search the web like you normally would, all while earning points. Once you’ve accumulated a set amount of points you can redeem them for merchandise or gift cards.<\/p>\nIf you use a credit card, make sure you have a card that does not cost you anything and that you are earning rewards on every purchase. We have a cash back card<\/a> and at the end of each year we get several hundred dollars credited to our account.<\/p>\nGive the Gift of Time<\/h3>\n
Take your nieces and nephews on a day trip with your own family. Often the admission price to a fun place as well as the experience is a great gift that he or she may not have had the opportunity to do.<\/p>\n
Think outside the box to a local children\u2019s museum, zoo, aquarium, Lego Land, or even an afternoon movie date. Teaching a skill such as cooking or photography is another inexpensive way to give of yourself without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n
Start Selling<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Review your family expenses and find something to cut out. Cut out cable or reduce your cell phone minutes. If you reduce a monthly expense by $20, put that automatically into savings and by next Christmas, you\u2019ll have over $200.<\/p>\n
Start Buying Now<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe day after Christmas is the best time to start filling your gift closet. There are many items significantly marked down or on clearance. Buying items on clearance and spreading your purchases out, will help reduce going into debt during the holidays.<\/p>\n
Make Gifts<\/h3>\n
We are starting this week making presents for my nephews and sister. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to gifts we plan to make this year. There are loads of good ideas that go way beyond popsicle stick picture frames and loom potholders. The fort kits we made a few years ago are still talked about and treasured by my nephews. My mother also received one to keep at her house for when the grandchildren come over to play.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nStart Earning Rewards<\/h3>\n
Sign up for a reward program like Swagbucks<\/a> and earn points that you can put towards gift cards. Swagbucks allows you to search the web like you normally would, all while earning points. Once you’ve accumulated a set amount of points you can redeem them for merchandise or gift cards.<\/p>\nIf you use a credit card, make sure you have a card that does not cost you anything and that you are earning rewards on every purchase. We have a cash back card<\/a> and at the end of each year we get several hundred dollars credited to our account.<\/p>\nGive the Gift of Time<\/h3>\n
Take your nieces and nephews on a day trip with your own family. Often the admission price to a fun place as well as the experience is a great gift that he or she may not have had the opportunity to do.<\/p>\n
Think outside the box to a local children\u2019s museum, zoo, aquarium, Lego Land, or even an afternoon movie date. Teaching a skill such as cooking or photography is another inexpensive way to give of yourself without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n
Start Selling<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thehappyhousewife.com\/frugal-living\/files\/2012\/11\/Christmas-Saving-Jar.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nStart Earning Rewards<\/h3>\n
Sign up for a reward program like Swagbucks<\/a> and earn points that you can put towards gift cards. Swagbucks allows you to search the web like you normally would, all while earning points. Once you’ve accumulated a set amount of points you can redeem them for merchandise or gift cards.<\/p>\n If you use a credit card, make sure you have a card that does not cost you anything and that you are earning rewards on every purchase. We have a cash back card<\/a> and at the end of each year we get several hundred dollars credited to our account.<\/p>\n Take your nieces and nephews on a day trip with your own family. Often the admission price to a fun place as well as the experience is a great gift that he or she may not have had the opportunity to do.<\/p>\n Think outside the box to a local children\u2019s museum, zoo, aquarium, Lego Land, or even an afternoon movie date. Teaching a skill such as cooking or photography is another inexpensive way to give of yourself without breaking the bank.<\/p>\nGive the Gift of Time<\/h3>\n
Start Selling<\/strong><\/h3>\n