Don’t Blink! The holidays will be here before you know it! Are you prepared? Can you be prepared in time?
The last 3 months of the year are the most expensive time of the year, then the next 3 months we go on a spending fast! lol
Every year we think about ways to make the next time easier, less expensive, more meaningful…. and then we blink…
13 Ways To Save & Make Money For The Holidays
There are many ways to save during the year to be able to afford the things you’d like to do during those last three months.
Let’s talk about the ways to save and some sound cost reduction strategies as well as maybe even how to make a little extra to help during that time of the year. Many of these money saving tips and money making tips are great all year round.
1. Set A Budget
Sit down and make out your list. Decide who you need to purchase for and what you’d like to get them. Then you can decide if you’d like to have an overall budget, or a “no more than $xx, per person” budget.
Either way you feel will work best for you, but, remember without a budget you WILL overspend. There’s just no way around it, then you’ll go into the new year wishing you had been more thrifty. So, come up with the budget that works for you and your family and commit to stick to it, this year.
2. Have A Handmade Holiday
I love to crochet (when I have the time) and I have used that skill many years for gifts. A handmade gift can mean so much more to the recipient. It’s an awesome gift to give to you kids, too, to teach them it’s not all about spending money and shopping.
3. Draw Names
Get the family together and have everyone put their name in a hat and have everyone draw one out and purchase or make a gift for the person they have drawn.
A twist on this that could be super fun is to choose a family and each family create or purchase gifts for the family they have drawn.
4. Have A Yard Sale
We all have extra junk treasures laying around. As summer months wind down and cooler temperatures approach it is a perfect time to grab those bins of clothes the kids have outgrown, random decorations, and any junk treasures that are in good shape to sell and have your very own yard sale.
You can cut down on clutter and make a few hundred dollars in one easy morning. Make sure you use our Printable Yard Sale Checklist to help you get started.
5. Change Your Insurance Policies
If you haven’t updated your insurance policies it is time to call and compare prices. Start with vehicle insurance, but don’t forget to check into your home owners, renters or even health and life insurance.
There are almost always better rates available, as well as things you may be able to drop from policies that are just no longer necessary.
6. Start A Side Business
Start a side business doing something you love, or selling something you have created. Everything from fun craft items like wreaths for decorating or handmade scarves and gloves are all easy to make and great ways to make money.
Sell cosmetics through a direct sales company, or take on a job pet sitting for your neighbors. Every little bit helps and can easily go toward your holiday gift budget.
7. Cancel Your Cable Or Satellite Service
This can be a huge waste of $100 or more every month. Invest in a low cost streaming service through Hulu, Netflix, or even Amazon Prime and pay $10-$25 a month instead of $50-$100.
You’ll still have access to your favorite shows, but you won’t be paying near as much out of pocket.
8. Use Cash Back Apps
I absolutely LOVE using cash back apps. I can often shop at the store with coupons and then use my cash back apps when I get home and MAKE money on my shopping. I think it can be best way to save money.
Most of the cash back apps hold your money in an account until you request it. I love using this option to save for the holidays! I can use these apps all year to save money and then request the money to do my holiday shopping and it’s like having a Christmas club savings account or Christmas savings account without having to pay into it all year!
It’s free money! Here is a list of my favorite Apps That Make And Save You Money. I use these every week and love them all!
9. Start A Blog
When we start thinking about how to save money, we often explore how to make money… so we can then save it. lol If you want to start earning money from home and supplement your income why not check out this series: Starting A Blog? Check Out Our Step By Step Guide! This series is ongoing and free, teaching you step by step how to start your own blog and make extra money for your family.
10. Cook From Scratch
Buying processed and canned foods can often cost much more than simply making foods from scratch. Take the time to put into cooking meals from scratch for your family.
A solid menu plan and utilizing things like freezer meals and Crock Pot cooking can save tons of money in your grocery budget that is a super easy way to save. Plus, you’ll know you’re feeding your family healthier. My FREE Monthly Meal Planner can help, and 6 Ways Monthly Meal Planning Can Save Money, too.
11. Stop Eating Out
Even one meal a week out for a family of 4 can be around $40 for just entrées and no drinks. Multiply that by 4-5 weeks in a month and you have up to $200 a month in savings just when you stop eating out.
12. Stop Ordering Drinks
Drink water when you DO go out. Lattes, Margaritas, Soft Drinks, they all add up. Let’s talk about eating out for a family of 4, if everyone orders a drink, that normally adds around $2.50 per person to the order.
That means JUST ordering water when you go out can save a family of four around $10 per meal. If harder beverages are ordered that bill goes up even more. An average family eats out 4-5 times a week (including restaurants and fast food).
For a family of 4 that would be around $40 a week and $120 a month in DRINKS. Drinking water when you go out can save as much as $120 a month or more.
13. Take Public Transit
If you live near a public transit system, take advantage of this and park your car for a few months.
Public transit passes can easily be up to half the cost of what you would be putting into you car in gas and maintenance. Even if just for a few months, this can increase savings on transportation and add to your holiday budget fast.
These are just small things you can change in your daily life without frustration. A little bit of effort on your part can make this holiday season an amazing time of giving.
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