Gift giving and saving money while doing it!

Entry #14, December 12, 2009

Whether your family celebrates Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or Fesitvus, we all will be buying gifts! Even though this holiday occurs at the same time every year, it’s always a “surprise” when it comes to spending our money! Don’t worry, there are still ways to save money, and buy gifts. Read on…

• Rewards: Credit cards, airlines, and stores all have rewards programs. Many times consumers forget that they are accruing these points on purchases throughout the year. Redeem your points for merchandise, gift certificates, dining and travel experiences.  It’s like a double gift – you didn’t have to pay, and the recipient receives a great gift.

  

• Cutting corners: The Starbucks coffee that you drink everyday, and the value meal that you grab at lunchtime is empty dollars that could be a gift! If you think about it, most people have “empty” money wasted everyday. How about brewing your own coffee at home and packing a lunch for the next month? You’d be surprised how much change you save, and now you can get that Barbie for your niece!

• Retailer’s are hurting too! Take advantage of the slow economy by visiting weekly sales, clearances and promotions in stores and online! Similar to the “buyer’s market” in real estate, it is a customer driven buying market. Retailer’s want your money, and it’s the perfect time to get more for your money.

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  Save money..bake cookies as gifts!

  Involve everyone! At your office party, instead of buying for everyone, how about as a group you pick numbers and everyone only buy one gift, and everyone leaves with a gift! With your family, agree on a set budget for each person and stay within those guidelines. For neighbors and friends, bake some cookies or bundle up the family and go caroling door to door! Absolutely free, and your neighbors will appreciate it more than a gift!

For more gift ideas on Stagetecture, click here.