Comments on: Planning Ahead: Christmas 2010

By: Joy

Joy — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:00:31 +0000

Love this article!! Just wanted to let you know that I’ve linked it to the “This ‘n That Thursday” post on my blog.
http://myreasonstoblog.blogspot.com/
Hope you have a great day!!!
~ Joy :)

By: Sara

Sara — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:29:40 +0000

I’ve been keeping a “christmas budget” spreadsheet for years. I used to set up my budget for each person and expense (cards, postage, decorations, wrapping, etc) and the total around October and then track as I bought. Problem was, I wasn’t putting money aside ahead and would end up with holiday credit card hangover, even if I had kept a handle on the amount I spent. After this Christmas I set up next year’s budget, then divided the total amount into bi-weekly payments and set up a dedicated “christmas” account on ING (where we already have our savings account). Money is automatically moved into it every time I get paid, and come the beginning of December I can empty it out and actually pay cash!

While I was at it set up a similar account for “vacation” because I tend to do the same thing with vacations – go now and pay later. Time to change that!

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:42:19 +0000

Thanks Marcy. I might check them out.

By: Marcy

Marcy — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:28:43 +0000

Emily – Columbus Research Connection facilitates Market Research/Focus Group studies for companies. For example, I have completed a diaper study through them (Huggies & Pampers pull ups) and a focus group/taste testing study for Wendy’s.

In both cases I was paid for my time. In the first, I also received free pull ups.

Their opportunities vary, but is easy extra cash if you end up qualifying for a study.

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:52:58 +0000

What exactly is Columbus Research Connection? I went to the website but couldn’t exactly figure out what it is.

Thanks.

By: Arica Reeves

Arica Reeves — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:55:48 +0000

I work 2 jobs, one is on call. I put $50 every 2 weeks into a Christmas only savings account. The money is taken from my paycheck before I even see it, so therefore, I don’t even miss it. This gives me over $1,000 a year to spend on Christmas or help pay bills (because I buy all year round when something is on sale and I can get it for a good deal). This takes the stress out of shopping for the holidays.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:55:34 +0000

I don't really set aside money for christmas. I tend to look for items year round that I can find really cheap. My aunt loves Isotoner slippers which are usually $22.00. I was able to find a pair on clearance after christmas so I have them saved for next xmas! I have a bag in my closet of gifts that I have bought that didnt cost me much. .-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Get two 2-Liter Pepsi's for $0.75 each! =-.

By: Kristine

Kristine — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:36:06 +0000

We withdraw a set amount of cash once a month, by the time Christmas rolls around, it’s paid for. I use a credit card for purchases (to get rewards) and pay it all off before the end of the billing cycle to avoid finance charges. This was our third year of doing it this way, and what a relief to know the money was there, even though I lost my job just before Thanksgiving. Our holiday didn’t really change at all.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:16:53 +0000

I have three boys and their birthdays are spread out (March, June and October…lucky for us!) so we put $100 a month into a Holiday savings account. That is what we use for birthdays, Easter, halloween etc. Plus I try and buy great things throughout the year at great prices so that money can stretch pretty far (like getting $800 worth of toys at Target last week for $200…now I am ready for Easter, Valentines, March and June birthday except for any specific special items they might ask for…plus a few things for birthday party gifts). At Christmas we end up a little out of pocket, but not nearly as much.

By: resilientheart

resilientheart — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:20:56 +0000

Thank you for this post, it’s so good to have ideas about planning ahead for Christmas, enjoy the season and not fret about debt.

My best friend showed me years ago her method was simply to save 10% per month, so by the end of the year, everything was already in place for taking care of her very large family.

Happy to have found the link for this on MoneySavingMom.com

Blessings, Love & Peace,
RH

By: The Proverbswife

The Proverbswife — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:19:36 +0000

I shared a similar list here. It highlights the things I do to offset gift giving.

http://proverbswife.blogspot.com/2009/12/gift-giving-2010-start-today.html
.-= The Proverbswife´s last blog ..T.G.I. Friday Meal Rewards Program =-.