12 Days of Savings

In the spirit of the 12 days of Christmas here are 12 ways you can save as you participate in all of the holiday excitement, gift-giving, and celebration.

#1 Finding Extra Cash

One way to find extra cash within this month is to consider pausing your 401k, debt snowball, and any other savings. At this point, it is all hands on deck to avoid using a credit card. Taking a pause will give you the extra cash needed. However, be sure that you need this cash and not that you just want something.

#2 Host a Potluck

Hosting the holidays equals more people to feed. Don’t forget to budget extra for this. If money is tight, create a potluck-style meal. Ask others to bring a portion of the meal. This not only offloads your wallet but also helps you save time.

#3 Experience Over Price

Yes, gifts are nice, but the excitement of opening presents is temporary. Think outside the box this year. For example, my family actively seeks new Christmas music to jam to while decorating the tree or baking cookies. :) We also attend our Candlelight Christmas church service every year. Here are a few ideas:

• Family game night

• Give the gift of giving (see #2)

• Regifting game (White Elephant, Gift Dice Game, etc)

#4 Use Cash To Shop

Will this be a slight inconvenience? Yes, but that’s the point! It forces your brain to ask, is what you are buying worth the inconvenience? If it is something that is impulsive, you might realize that it is not worth it.

#5 Send Greeting Cards

This is great for extended family, friends, and coworkers. One option is to send family photo cards. You not only send best wishes this holiday season but also share a nice photo of your family. Another option is to handwrite a special note inside your greeting cards. It is a nice personal way to wish someone a happy holiday.

#6 ‘Tis the Season of Giving

This is a great time to give back. This doesn’t just mean financial but in a number of ways. My family and I donate gently used items to a not-for-profit organization that allows people to shop with dignity. A few other ideas are: 

• Donating lightly used toys to an organization.

• Donate your time to a local shelter, food pantry, etc.

• Help prepare for the holidays at your church.

*Remember to document your donations to deduct on your taxes.

#7 Plan Ahead!

The holidays are here! Be sure to set your budget and write your gift list. This should include:

• A list of who you are shopping for.

• How much do you want to spend on each person?

• A few different gift ideas.

After you have your list written out, total it to be sure you are within budget.

#8 Frugal & Thoughtful Gifts Do Not Mean Cheap

May times when we think a good gift must be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. When you create your gift list, really take a moment to think of the person who is receiving the gift. What do they like? What are their interests? One of my favorite gifts I received from my husband was a handwritten letter. It was sweet and meant so much to me that he took the time and effort to write it. Use this time to match your skills and that person’s interest. Here are a few ideas:

• Craft a gift: All my crafters use that skill to make something special! Here are 100 ideas. :)

• Bake a gift: Are you good at baking? Gift your amazing bread, cake, etc.

• Create a gift: Are you like my husband...a good writer, poet, etc?

• Gather a gift: Do you have several special recipes? Create a memorable cookbook.

• Regift a gift: Regift something that you may have received but feel like someone else would find it more valuable

The list can go on and on! Take a moment to think about what each person’s interests are before buying a random gift.

#9 Give the Gift of Time

If there is one thing we all don’t have, it’s time! Consider gifting someone with your time. 

• Give a few “Babysitting Coupons”- Watch their children for free

• “Relaxation Coupon” - This is great for your spouse. Give them a certain period of time to be “off duty”- no kids, no chores, just time to do what they wish.

• Movie Night - Plan a fun night to watch movies, eat dinner, and enjoy each other's company.

#10 Buy Nothing Project

Find your local Buy Nothing Group to see if there are things you could share, trade, or borrow for this holiday season. This group allows you and your neighbors to connect locally.

#11 Use Coupon Apps for Added Savings

You are already shopping. So you might as well get bonus points/cash for it. Use apps like:

• Ibotta

• Fetch Rewards

• Rakuten

#12 Shop the Deals

Do your research to find the best deals. If you are signing up for email lists, newsletters, etc. to get bonus discounts, consider creating a different email address just for shopping. This way your email doesn’t get flooded with tempting emails to spend extra money.