Eee gads, a post filled with consumerism. I apologize in advance. I'm plugging away against my Christmas giving, wrapping and cards budget, determined to come in less than my original budget by $200. Some strategies I've used so far include deferring the use of the free Target gift cards given when a certain number of certain products are bought. Again, I have to be careful not to count the savings twice. I don't count until I use the gift card for a new purchase,. My total sits at $30. I've bundled Kohl's cash and Reward points, layering with a birthday promo, and percent off spending coupons. Kohl's cash/Reward bucks are also at $30. I shouldn't count this, but I will since it's money back to me. I finally returned wrong size t-shirts for DH and DS form last year, and was credited back $27 on my Kohl's card and received $20 in Kohl's cash (what I must have used towards part of cost last year.)
Sunday I took advantage of the 10% of gift cards at Target, and bought a $100 one for $90. Tonight I will use with a $10 of $50 clothing purchase and get a pair of jeans and shirt for DS. The balance I'll use towards donation shopping and Oreo's on sale and in cartwheel, for making truffle candies.I have another $10 off $50 purchases, but hope to bundle with some freebie bonuses and items for donation (a separate budget, but want those to stretch as well.). When done, I will have spent $90 for $120 in purchases, a 25% savings before any other coupon is applied. Yes, another $30 towards the budget.
Clothing gift certificates at a small business boutique for my girls were a Black Friday week special, so $50, bought $60 for each, for another $20. The remaining $53 in budget reduction I'm working towards though pure deal shopping through price comparison and using store sales. Options like finding Goodie hair items 2 for $1 at the dollar store, using 30% off book coupon on a book for my daughter, and using my other daughters help with her employee discount on a gift.
I found the ham I was hoping to buy at $3.99 per pound, a little over 7 pounds. This will be one of three meats for Christmas eve so should be more than enough, and hope even some leftovers. I might have been able to hold out longer, and found cheaper, but it's in my freezer, and included in my $400 grocery challenge, and that is done. I'm still on the look out for cheap crescent roll dough, but all other baking items were bought Sunday at rock bottom prices with the exception of Oreo;s and cream cheese, on sale at Target. I'm not sure yet what my Christmas day contributions are beyond a couple Stromboli type appetizers, wine, punch ingredients, and treats, but I'm reserving $50 of the budget to prepare, leaving me with an ample $46.33 per week for regular groceries, plus the use of a fairly stocked pantry, fridge, and freezer. The holiday shouldn't be about how much I spent or how cheap I got things, but I'm sharing to maybe give an idea or two to others on how they can stretch their own budgets. It also is a reminder to myself that I can orchestrate a Christmas focused on bringing joy to others without resorting to over spending.
I have a similar post scheduled & ready to go this morning. ;-) Great minds, and all that. You had some amazing savings! I used my credits (mostly Amazon) to offset some spending, and also used a Nordstrom note to offset a birthday gift I buy this time of year. I purchased lots of gift cards in advance, but will use the plenti points (Rite Aid) to offset my toiletry budget for the first half of 2016.
ReplyDeleteOur biggest savings this year were the flights. I allocated $1300, but ended up using our miles for the trip. It created a lot of flex in our budget.
Can't remember who I mentioned this to, but if you have a Costco, they had crescent rolls on clearance right after Thanksgiving. May be worth checking if you are already going there.
I may see if some one who does Costco will pic those up for me. That's about the number I need. Your airline tickets were a real budget stretcher. I didn't count my credit card cash back specifically to reduce but was part of savings goal. I guess we're all trying to make dollars last and sharing what we know may give an idea to someone else.
DeleteI think you have to use every tool in your frugal tolbox when it comes to Christmas - it definitely sounds like you have
ReplyDeleteAs I said to Hawaii Plan, we all are doing our best. I hope someone picks up a new strategy as I know I learn from others big time. How's your family trip?
DeleteI appreciate you reading.
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