2011 Savings for Christmas, do it now.

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Kate 510

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Feb 11, 2011
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Lots of great ideas, thank you for sharing! One thing I do to save money for Christmas is I buy a grocery store gift card and add a few dollars to it each week. I start using the card in December to buy baking supplies and groceries for the holidays.
 

housewife2

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Aug 3, 2008
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thats agreat idea about the grocery store gc. thanks for sharing
 

snickerdoodle

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Dec 31, 2009
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I have been putting money on a Sam's Warehouse gift card whenever we go there I just put $30 on it this weekend. It seems like we spend quite a bit there between baking supplies, food and gifts for Christmas.
 

ChristmasJules

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Jun 14, 2010
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To save for Christmas, each month I buy gift cards to stores I know I will frequent during the holidays - even restaurants. I have also started collecting items for the Christmas shoeboxes we put together. It certainly makes life easier on the pocket book when December rolls around!
 

Farmermom4

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Nov 1, 2007
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Our holiday house in North Idaho
Unfortunately I needed to use everything I had saved for our truck transmission this last week, ugg!! Need to get back on track, I usually use my farm money during the holidays because I have just gotten paid from all the beef I sell. This doesn't work because it makes me short in the spring when I need to get started again! Need to work on a better system, everyone here has some great ideas, I need to try some!!
 

SparkleNana

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Jan 3, 2008
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I think we all need to use some new ideas.... for saving money/spending less!

Well.... this is sort of like "decluttering our homes"..... Gingerbug decided to create a Year-Long Decluttering Club. Getting more control of our finances is every bit as difficult as getting control of our clutter! And probably takes just as much effort and as long a time!
 

Ahorsesoul

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Oct 13, 2007
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Too bad money didn't multiply like clutter!!!
 

Ahorsesoul

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Oct 13, 2007
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Tuck away a little money into your Christmas account today. A dollar is fine or your change. Doesn't have to be much. It will add up at the end of the year.
 

Ahorsesoul

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Oct 13, 2007
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It's a good day to tuck away some money for Christmas gifts.
 

Saquilla

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May 15, 2010
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**sigh** my Christmas account just isn't looking like I hoped it would by the end of July...

I think it's time to focus and start setting aside a weekly amount - I think an automatic transfer, like I do for the kids, will be a better option.

Originally my plan was to put away gift money for a person on their birthday - works well in theory, but I guess it's harder then I thought to, for example, buy my mum a birthday present AND put away about the same amount for a Christmas Present - at the same time!!

So - problem recognised early. I can rectify!!
 

snickerdoodle

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Dec 31, 2009
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I made a transfer yesterday into the account for Christmas and we are going to Sams this morning so I can add more to my gift card! Thanks for the reminder.
 

Ahorsesoul

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Oct 13, 2007
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Saquilla;179009Originally my plan was to put away gift money for a person on their birthday - works well in theory said:
As I began reading I'm think what a great idea but then when you worked it out to the end result I see your point. Sometimes a great idea just doesn't really pan out. I'm glad you have time to rectify.
 

festivefun

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Feb 25, 2008
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Money is such a problem for me. Last year was particularly bad. As a student with debt, I really struggled to enter into the festivities.

I will have a job this year, but I still have to be careful. My OH and I hope to put money away for Christmas, maybe by putting it on a store card (they don't depreciate in value here) while also buying some early gifts. I need to start making those lists.

I know money shouldn't take over, but when it is really bad, there is little else you can concentrate on.
 

sweetpumkinpye

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Apr 23, 2008
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Thanks for the reminder, I need to pop away some dollars. I have decided that I am buying DH a new camera. He loves photography so I know that it is something he will really love. It will need me to be really good with the budget to be able to afford it.
 

Ahorsesoul

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Oct 13, 2007
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Last day of CIJ so put something away today.
 

candysprinkles

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Jan 29, 2011
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We got new cell phones earlier this year around tax time. When the rebate Visa cards finally came in last week, I put them right into my Christmas fund envelope. Four new cell phones, so four $50 gift cards = $200 tucked away. Now, I'm all ready for some good sales. :)
 

Ahorsesoul

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Oct 13, 2007
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That was a good idea candysprinkles.