Frugal Holiday Tips

How to save money when mailing gifts out of town

2008-12-12T09:28:00.000-08:00

I've been mailing holiday gifts to my neices and nephews who live hundreds of miles away for several years now. I've decided the cheapest route is the simplest:

1) Buy small, lightweight gifts: clothing, books, art supplies, CDs, DVDs, box of candy.

2) Pack them yourself: reuse boxes you have around the house, if possible. Use crumpled up plastic grocery bags you have on hand as a lightweight packing material.

3) Take them to the Post Office and splurge on a couple dollars of insurance. If you do that, the Post Office is obligated to keep better track of the gifts. (The post office once filed a package sent to me under the name of the sender rather than under my name. Since the package was insured, the entire staff spent a day trying to find the thing for me.)

I really believe this option saves a lot of money. I've done the online thing and found I ended up paying a lot extra in shipping and wrapping fees. Another time, the recipient never got what I sent and I ended up in the awkward position of needing their help to try to track down what happened.

If you have any tips that have worked for you, please share them in the comments below!

Where to find Cyber Monday deals

2008-11-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

Get ready. Get set. Shop for deals online!

Tomorrow is CyberMonday -- the day to start holiday shopping online. Many deals will be offered. But you can do yourself one better by getting prepared. There are a number of websites out there that have been collecting and organizing the CyberMonday deals. Check these sites before you shop online to get the most bang for your buck:

http://www.cybermonday.com/

http://www.gottadeal.com/

http://www.kmart.com/

http://www.bestcybermondaysales.com/

http://www.cybermonday.fm/

http://www.dealtaker.com/

Some deals will be rolled out hour by hour. The Boston Herald provided a timeline of where to find deals:
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2008_11_30_Cybermonday_com_deals_by_the_hour/

Here are some tips from Shop.org on how to shop safely online:
http://blog.shop.org/2008/11/29/safe-online-shopping-tips/

And no matter where you shop, don't forget to check for coupons. You can try these sites:

http://www.smarter.com/

http://www.fatwallet.com/

http://www.dealio.com/

http://www.shop.com/ccn_offers.shtml

http://www.retailmenot.com

http://www.wow-coupons.com/

promotionalcode.com

couponcabin.com

Or, simply Google the name of the retailer + coupons and see what you can find. Good luck!

Where to find those Black Friday ads online

2008-11-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, Black Friday is now just days away and it's time to start lining up the deals you'll find. I've been collecting the money-saving websites all week and I offer them here for your pre-Black Friday prep:

tgiblackfriday.com

bfads.net

blackfriday.gottadeal.com

dealcatcher.com

dealtaker.com/blackfriday

black-friday.net

blackfriday.info

blackfridayads.com

This site can help you find deals on electronics:

techbargains.com

www.retrevo.com

Check these sites for money-saving coupons:

retailmenot.com

promotionalcode.com

couponcabin.com

www.wow-coupons.com

Layaway is back

2008-11-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

Sears and Kmart are promoting their resurrected recession-chic layaway plans. And they're selling it with an added advantage: Layaway is the perfect hiding spot for those gifts you don't want family members to find. Instead of loading up your credit card and storing the loot in a closet, Sears says let them hold it for you where your kids will never think to look. Not a bad idea. Check it out here.

The bad economy opens holiday travel options

2008-10-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

A New York Times story today reports that there are some good travel deals out there for people who've always dreamt of spending Christmas at a vacation resort or exotic locale. With regular customers bowing out this year, people who couldn't afford to spend that much on travel at holiday time may find deals that make it worth it this year:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/travel/26holiday.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Off beat holiday gift ideas

2008-10-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Leslie at Leading Edge Gifts just sent me an email with some off-beat holiday gift ideas that might put a fun twist on your gift giving. One of her ideas -- www.GiveAurl.com -- is something I gave one of my best friends last year. She had just about everything, except her own domain name. GiveAurl.com was the only company I could find that was offering a way to give a domain name as a gift. Leslie's other ideas included giving a gift of stock in a company -- a rather interesting twist on gift giving in the current economic climate -- and giving someone an icon in their image for them to use on the web and in e-mails. Here's the rest of her ideas:

"www.GiveAshare.com - A share of real stock in a world famous company

The declining stock market has resulted in drastically reduced prices for
our framed shares of world famous companies. It is also your last chance
to get Merrill Lynch, Anheuser-Busch, and ImClone Systems before each of
their mergers. It is interesting to note that beginning 1/1/2009,
stockbrokers will no longer issue physical stock certificates as the
industry tries to move to electronic ownership. We will still be able to
get physical stock certificates but their days are numbered. Our new "I'm
A Shareholder" book is is a great way to supplement a share for kids 8 &
up. Prices from $41. Take advantage of today's ultra-low prices and an
additional discount of $10 on stock orders placed before 11/15 (use coupon
code Early10Dollars).

www.GiveAcaricature.com - A one-of-a kind-caricature from a photo in ANY
scene you describe.

There is no gift idea that is more personal than this one! If you are
having a tough time finding a gift for someone who has everything, you
should consider this one. The ability of our artists to capture the
essence, likeness, and quirks of people in a comical way makes for a
holiday gift that will be a hit. Prices from $99. Get a 10% discount on
orders with 2 or more subjects placed before 11/15 (use coupon code
Early10Percent).

www.MyFaceIcons.com - Personal icons that look just like them for email
and web use.

These are simpler caricatures that are less expensive and perfect to use
as an email signature, and icon for social websites like MySpace.com, or
can even be printed. These icons are fun and they definitely draw
attention. Prices from $39. Get a 10% discount through 11/15 (use coupon
code Early10Percent).

www.GiveAurl.com - Personal domain names packaged as a gift.

This is the only place to easily register a domain name and package it as
a gift. A domain name is simply a unique address on the web like
google.com or oprahwinfrey.com. A registered domain name is exclusive so
it is not available to anyone else in the world. People are rushing to
get the perfect name before someone else grabs it. Use a name, nickname,
occupation, and interests to think of a clever domain that has a nice ring
to it like 4Johnsons.com, IbleedDodgerBlue.com, PoodlesRock.com,
AnthonyParker.com. Priced from $19. Get a 10% discount on orders through
11/15 (use coupon code Early10Percent).

Happy holidays!"

TGI Black Friday website helps you get a jump on Black Friday deals

2008-10-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Black Friday may still be 35 days away, but the website TGI Black Friday is already gathering information on where the deals will be. Instead of waiting a month for the ads to arrive in newspaper circulars, you can keep an eye on the www.tgiblackfriday.com website, where news of some stores' Black Friday deals sneaks out early. The website makes it easy to share deals you like with friends and offers a way save items to an online shopping list so you can plan your mad dash through the stores. Right now three stores have revealed their Black Friday deals on the site: Ace Hardware , Harbor Freight and the ToysRUs Big Book. And some stores allow you to purchase items at the Black Friday price early.

Here are some more Black Friday ad sites that have come to my attention:

http://www.blackfriday.info/
http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com
www.BFADS.NET

Thanks to my friend Gail Gedan who alerted me to www.tgiblackfriday.com on her blog The Laid Off Gourmet .

How to send really classy e-cards

2008-10-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned in an earlier post that sending holiday e-cards can be a great way to save money on postage and all those envelopes. If you want to make those e-cards extra special -- for the cost of a box of a dozen holiday cards -- you can buy a yearly subscription to a collection of animated e-cards designed by English artist Jacquie Lawson. I included a sample below. Lawson's collection includes more than 100 cards for every occasion that you can send to as many people as you wish for $12 a year. It's the kind of e-card that shows you put some thought into sending it.

The Dow's up, but so are job losses and credit is shaky. Start saving cash now to pay your way through the holidays

2008-10-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

The good news: The Dow soared 11 percent yesterday, successfully encouraging several overseas markets to surge along with it, suggesting all might not be as bad as it seems. The bad news: GM announced yesterday it would cut 1,340 jobs and Pepsico plans to eliminate 3,300 jobs, suggesting it still might be a good idea to live frugally this holiday season.

And don't plan to rely on credit cards to help cover any overspending. An MSNBC Red Tape Chronicles story today reports that surprise interest rate hikes and fees will make people more likely to default on their loans.

A much better idea might be to start saving money today to pay for holiday expenses. The Baltimore Sun this weekend ran a story offering ways you might cut back on expenses and save as much as $1,000 in the next three months. Tips included:

save a grand
Here are some tips from experts on how to save at least $1,000 by the end of the year:

•Stop charging and pay with cash. Counselors say that people who pay for purchases with cash typically save about 20 percent. Estimated savings: If you charge about $1,000 each month, about $600 over three months.

•Don't discount your pocket change. Each night, empty your change into a jar. Or, save the change each time you break a dollar bill. Estimatedsavings: $30 to $50 a month, counselors say, or at least $35 over three months.

•Wash your own car, says Jim Ludwick of Main Street Financial Planning. Estimated savings: $60 over three months.

more ways to save
Here are some more ways to save $1,000 by the end of the year

•Lower your food costs. Take your lunch and coffee in a thermos to work instead of buying it daily. Plan meals for a week at a time and make just one weekly trip to the grocery to reduce impulse buys. Estimated savings: $300 on lunch alone, over three months.

•Carve $10 a month from five spending categories that are not fixed: For instance, eating out, (order water to drink or cut back on dining out) shopping, (shop at malls only when an item is needed) and utilities, (lower the thermostat at home; turn off lights or unneeded appliances.) Estimated savings: $150 over three months.

•Eliminate bank fees. Use a bank that has ATMs nearby, to eliminate fees assessed for using out-of-network bank machines. Look for a bank that offers free checking to avoid fees associated with checking accounts. Estimated savings: $50 over three months.

•Pay yourself. Take an extra $50 a month, or pay period, from your wages and have it directly deposited into a savings account. "We always encourage people to pay themselves every month in a savings account, just as if it were one of their creditors," Godfrey said. Estimated savings: $150 over three months.

•Have an insurance checkup, and make sure you're not over-insured or under-insured. If you can handle raising your deductible, that will save you money each month. "Definitely get on the phone with the insurance company and see whether you could lower your homeowners or car insurance," Detweiler said. Estimated savings: $35 to $75 over three months.

•Eliminate little-used memberships or subscriptions, for instance at gyms or fitness centers or for online music services. Eliminate premium or other extra-cost channels on cable TV. Review your cell phone package to see whether the minutes are the right amount for your calling patterns. Estimated savings: $12 to $50 per month, or about $75 to $150 over three months.

•If you rely on a cell phone, think about eliminating the land line. "There is no need to pay for both, for folks struggling with a budget, and that will free up money," said Godfrey. Estimated savings: $105 over three months.

•Reduce driving, walk more, take fewer trips, financial planner Jim Ludwick suggests. Estimated savings: $200 over three months.

•Kick bad habits. Buying cigarettes and lottery tickets each day can add up quickly. Estimated savings: $100 over three months.

Click here to read the rest of the story.

Save money on designer holiday gifts with websites like Shopittome.com

2008-10-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Ok. So you want to save money when buying gifts this holiday season, but you don't want to come across as cheap. A very fashionable friend of mine just suggested a website that alerts you when your favorite designers cut prices on their clothes, shoes and accessories. Sign up at Shopittome.com , and the website will alert you when items from top designers like Theory , Prada , Armani , Ella Moss , Juicy Couture , Seven Jeans , DKNY, or BCBG go on sale at websites like Nordstrom , Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Banana Republic, Gap , Zappos and Bluefly . Just let them know what designers and sizes you prefer and Shopittome.com will send you an email letting you know what's on sale in your size where. If you want to impress your sister with a Prada purse or your best friend with a DKNY wrap dress, just sign up with their sizes and brand names and wait for a match. There's still time to let sites like this help you find just the right gift at a savings.

Check it out here: http://www.shopittome.com/

There's plenty of time to save money on home-spun gifts

2008-10-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

I'm just guessing here, but I forecast a home-spun chic trend will emerge this holiday season. Hand-knit scarves, handmade dried flower arrangements, personalized photo albums and scrapbooks -- I think these types of gifts are going to be popular ways to give meaningful presents without breaking the bank. (The economy already did that. No point in you doing it too.) It's only October. If you start now, you have plenty of time to put a little elbow grease into your holiday gifts. Save money on supplies by checking newspaper circulars for craft store coupons for stores like JoAnn Fabrics, A.C. Moores and Michaels. Some can also be found online.

Click here to see what's on sale at JoAnn Fabrics this week:
http://www.joann.com/joann/shop/promotion/sales_listing_home.jsp

Click here to see A.C. Moore's unadvertised store specials:
http://www.acmoore.com/t-UnadvertisedStoreSpecials.aspx

Click here to find your local Michaels store and see their weekly ad:
http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?template=search&client=michaels

If you're not into scrapbooking, you can make photo albums by simply uploading those digital pictures you took of your summer vacation to a photo service like Kodak Gallery, which will assemble them in little booklets you can give as gifts.

Save money on holiday photo cards

2008-10-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Since all my friends and I had children, the whole point of sending and receiving holiday cards is to see how everyone's kids have grown. For the past several years, I've compared the prices at Target and Wal-Mart and then picked the cheapest one to have holiday cards made of a picture I took of my kids. (I use my own snapshots rather than paying for professional shots.) But I send out a lot of cards and I end up spending a good chunk of change on the cards and postage. One way to truly slash those costs is to take that digital snapshot of my kids and fire it off to friends in a holiday e-mail. I'll still have to send pictures to relatives who still wedded to prints, but I have plenty of friends who are quite comfortable printing out their own photos off the e-mail or ordering the pictures through services like iPhoto, Shutterfly, Kodak Gallery, Photobucket, etc.

Cut holiday costs with charitable class

2008-10-09T08:33:00.001-07:00

I suspect most holiday cost-cutting measures people do this season will be understood by a public still reeling from the financial shock and awe rattling from Wall Street to the Nikkei. However, much of the pleasure of gift-giving comes from that sense of generosity you feel when you're recognizing the other people in your life. You don't want to feel cheap. One way to enrich a gift that costs you less, is to offer something that goes a little farther. Inject some charity into your gift giving. It's a trend that's been catching on for years. I've seen it at weddings and even some children's birthday parties. It was even a Seinfeld episode once. More and more, people are offering cards that say "In lieu of gifts, we've made a donation to a charity of our choice." There are a lot of different ways to do this and this season there will be a lot of charities hurting as badly as everyone else in this economic downturn.

Here's some ideas on how to do this:

You can flat out give to charity instead of to friends and send them a classy note wishing them a happy holiday in lieu of a gift.
You can send them a holiday e-mail instead of a mailing cards and indicate that you'll be donating some of the money you save on cards and postage to charity.
Instead of paying for a holiday party at your school or office, you can organize a group to volunteer at a charitable organization for a day and celebrate together at the event.

If you have any more ideas, please leave a comment below.

Welcome to Frugal Holiday Tips

2008-10-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here watching the Dow tank again, as I've done every day this week, and it occurred to me that while the economic meltdown can freeze the economy, it won't stop Christmas from coming. To prevent Dr. Seuss' Grinch from a having a hearty laugh at our expense this season, I decided to start collecting ideas on how to celebrate the season while we're all tightening our belts. There's a lot of good ideas out there I plan to link to this blog and there are plenty more I see percolating every day. I'll post them here and I encourage readers to contribute theirs as well. With enough tips and information, who's to say we can't simply have a very very thrifty Christmas and frugal new year?