I start grocery boxes at the end of February for the next Christmas holidays. I keep a list of things I buy regularly, then wait until they are on a super sale and stock up on them. I start with non-food articles like cleaning supplies, then start stocking up on things we use everyday, like our childrens' aspirins, razors, toilet tissue, etc. Later in the summer I start purchasing canned goods, salad dressings, etc.
In November, I start picking up party crackers, peanuts, even dog food. When it comes time to buy the Christmas goodies, the grocery money is freed up for treats and all the extras. The surplus groceries usually last until the end of January at least, giving me a break in the budget.
I started doing this several years ago, and couldn't believe how much it eased the Christmas spending. Just make sure to check the "best by" dates.
By Mother of 5 from Nova Scotia
This page contains the following solutions.
Start new rules for Christmas gift giving... now! Now is the perfect time to discuss with family and friends that maybe it's time to rethink gift giving for next Christmas.
Consider opening a Christmas Club account. Some banks still offer them but they may not advertise them. You can deposit money weekly or as often as you'd like; however, the funds are NOT accessible for withdrawal.
I always use any coupon or sale that I can get my hands on all year long. If the sale items and/or coupons are not for an item that is needed at the present time, I purchase items to be used as gifts later on.
On New Years Day I start my Christmas fund. Everytime I write a check, in my check register, I round it off to the next dollar and forget about it...
Set a budget TODAY for your gift giving this year. By setting a limit and sticking to it, I've saved a ton of $.
Entertaining can get expensive very quickly, especially during the holidays. Here are some helpful hints to to keep you under budget this Christmas season.
Link: http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/money-shopping/holiday-entertainment-00411000073803/?xid=aybl-dec
Here are some simple ideas to help you stay within your budget this Christmas and still have a wonderful time with your family.
Link: http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/money-shopping/holiday-activities-00411000073805/?xid=aybl-dec
