Thursday, December 1, 2011

Saving Money During the Holidays

Fabulous frugal tips for surviving the holiday season


Photo by Charlene Marie

The holidays are right around the corner and you’ve found the perfect gift for that special someone. One problem; the perfect gift is out of your budget. “If I only didn’t buy that caramel, expensive-chino and chive-wondrous bagel the other day,” you mutter. Instead of worrying about past expenses, Sunglasses Avant Garde uncovered a few things you can do to stay within your economic means this holiday season.

Shopping


You can shop till you drop with these penny pinching suggestions:
· Use coupons
· Take advantage of Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals
· Drop into the nearest dollar store
· Stop at a garage sale
· Check out a thrift store
· Browse Craig’s List
· Seek out weekly sales flyers
· Swap an item with a buddy
· Download the ShopSavvy app on a smart phone and scan barcodes for lower prices while out shopping
· Buy generic or store-brand products

Dining


Dine on a dime with these tips:
· Go out for lunch instead of dinner
· Eat at home more often
· Bring a bagged lunch to work or school
· Make your coffee at home
· Don’t let leftovers go to waste
· Check for restaurant specials or coupons online
· Grow your own food

Driving


Dive into savings this way:
· Carpool
· Plan routes ahead, so there’s no backtracking
· Keep up on your engine maintenance, oil changes, etc.
· Find the cheapest gas prices in your area at gasbuddy.com
· Maintain proper tire air pressure
· Fix small car problems yourself

In General


Generally speaking try to:
· Shut off lights, TVs and electronics that aren’t in use
· Use energy efficient products
· Fix or patch up leaky faucets or sinks
· Reuse items
· Turn down the heat or air-conditioning when gone
· Plug up or seal drafty windows or doors
· Make your own home repairs, if possible
· Change out old light bulbs to money-saving OttLite bulbs

Hope these tips help and if you have any other thrifty tips, let us know!
Happy savings!
~ Charlene Marie

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