By ERIN TURNER
There are so many great ideas out there on how to save money and enjoy the holidays! It actually is an endless sea of information which can bog a person down who just needs some motivation and direction!
So this week I’ve scoured the web for you and compiled a list of various blogs/websites which provide some fantastic tools and ideas on how to be frugal while still getting the most out of the holidays.
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1). At Krisstina.com, she provides 12 great ways to save money and still be merry. I really like her ideas of pre-loved toys (which kids grow out of quickly anyway), using a cash budget and sending e-cards.
2) Kari over at TipTopTens.com offers some super simple and very unique ideas. I laughed when she suggested potty training your cat as the #1 tip of saving money during the holidays. But once I realized cat owners spend an average of $115/month on cat litter, I saw where she was going with this. Imagine having an extra $1600 a year in your Christmas budget. She’s got other great ideas for parties and gifts.
3) The folks over at Better Budgeting have put together a super list of 39 frugal tips for saving money at Christmas. They cover things like ways to save on decorations, wrapping paper, food and entertainment. It’s a great blog with some creative ideas! I love her idea about your family writing a Christmas story together. What fun would that be?
4) Bankrate.com offers some great advice on saving money and since they’re in the business of loans and money, it is nice to have some perspective from them. I like the different ideas they have about shopping for weddings during Christmas and even the suggestion of getting married during the holiday season. Some new insights on saving money in this article.
5) The contributor for family finances over at Forbes.com offers some awesome ideas for saving money. I like how she herself has struggled with spending too much during the holidays thus making her suggestions very real and applicable to families.
If you are feeling defeated about spending too much this year, check out this post from last year. It will motivate you NOW to get a-saving for next season. I have to admit that I didn’t accomplish my total goal on this savings program but I did do reach a decent level. I know a few of you have mentioned you were faithful savers and will be having a VERY merry Christmas this year with a big bonus. Way to go!
There is a little over a week left until Christmas so scan over these ideas and get inspired. Even if you feel like you’ve bombed Frugal Christmas 101, it is never too late to jump on board and save a penny or two. And remember every penny counts, so pick a few ideas and employ them today!
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Erin Eisenman-Turner is proud to be a native Missoulian. Along with her husband and three sons, they raise chickens, pigs, rabbits, and vegetables at Turner Family Farms in the Orchard Homes area. When the farm chores are done, the coupons clipped, and the blog written, you can find Erin exploring Montana, collecting antiques, and trying to maintain a well-run, happy, and organized home for her family.
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