With the Christmas holiday roaring in like a freight train, the boyfriend and I have been looking for ways to save money on gifts for our children and for our extended family so we don’t go further into debt. We don’t like using credit cards and try to avoid it when possible.
Since there are many large families like ours who are looking for money saving shopping tips, we thought we’d share some of our tried and true methods in hopes that we can ease some of your stress.
- Make a budget. Look at your bills and what money you have to spend on each child. Keep a record of all money spent so you don’t go over budget…or spend more on one child than the other. And don’t be afraid to tell your children the amount you’ll be spending on presents. We are honest with our children about finances because we want to prepare them for the future and we want them to realize there is more to Christmas than just receiving Christmas gifts.
- If you have a smartphone, download apps like RetailMeNot and Shopular so hot deals are sent right to your phone that can be scanned/entered at the cash register. If you don’t have a smartphone, fret not. You can still utilize RetailMeNot via their official website.
- Compare prices at different stores. And don’t be afraid to ask if a store price matches. My boyfriend had to pick up my daughter some clay for a school project and could only find the clay at Michaels. He noticed they listed the clay as several dollars more than Walmart, so he asked if they price matched. And they did.
- Buy stocking stuffers at Dollar Tree or similar stores. Seriously, I usually fill up my children’s stockings for way cheaper than if I bought all items at Target or Walmart.
- Use coupons! Check out manufacturer sites, if possible, to see if they have any that you can download and print out.
- Go Black Friday shopping. While not all “deals” on Black Friday are worthwhile, you can find some really great deals. I have bought my kids brand new PJs every Black Friday for WAY cheaper than on normal days. I seriously can’t beat $4 for a set of PJs, and that’s what I’ve been spending on Black Friday.
To further help with the stress you may be experiencing, keep reading to find out about H&R Block’s Advance Line of Credit and how you can win a $300 Mastercard gift card.
I’ve partnered with theNightOwlMama.com and Stuckathomemom.com as well Afropolitianmom.com and several other amazing bloggers to bring you this Fabulous $300 Gift Card Giveaway sponsored by H&R Block.
Details on the H&R Block Emerald Advance line of credit:
H&R Block will begin accepting applications in offices November 25th so set up your appointment today!
All you need to apply is an unexpired government-issued photo ID and your most recent pay stub (no W2 form required!)
You don’t already need to be an H&R Block client to apply.
The 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. It’s that easy!
disclosure-Night owl mama has asked me to join in the promotion for $300 Gift card Giveaway sponsored by H&R Block. No compensation was received. The prize was provided and may be shipped to the winner by H&R Block, but all opinions at the top 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. If you have any questions please ask Night Owl Mama. Thank you.
To learn more about H&R Block Emerald Advance line of credit and/or to make an appointment in order to apply in a participating H&R Block office from November 25 to January 15, 2013. please visit H&R Block Emerald Advance.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for you chance to win $300 Gift Card sponsored by H&R Block. Complete as many entries as you can to increase your chances of winning.
Ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund,
Never use change always use dollars. I save all change in a crayon, cash it in once a year.
I have several spots where I store my change. I like to save it up for holidays or birthdays or other extra expenses that come up, like book fairs.
Use cash only
Using cash only definitely helps. I hate using credit cards.
Always stick to your budget.
I learned that one of the benefits of the Emerald Advance is access to credit year-round. My money saving tip is to create a meal plan before grocery shopping. You never realize how much extra stuff you buy until you try this!
Pynk recently posted..Pynk Revue’s Holiday Gift Guide!
A meal plan is a fantastic tip. I make a weekly meal plan and shopping list to match. It truly does save on expenses. I’ve been able to cut our grocery expenses by a lot. And with a family of six, we need to save as much as possible.