Christmas Budget 2014

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Farmermom4

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Nov 1, 2007
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I started the 52 week challenge last year, and had to break into it after saving 100.00. This year I am determined to at least make it to black Friday when we want to go shopping! We get paid every two weeks, so added up the weeks and put that amount in at payday. Working so far...
 

missjane

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Oct 13, 2007
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Way to go, Farmermom4! I've managed to put money into our Christmas Club account every month, so far. Plus, I've been putting a little on a WM shopping card. I'm saving my change, too.

If you used credit cards last year, do you have them paid off? If so, put what you would pay on them each month into savings for Christmas this year so you won't have to use them this year!
 

jampss

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Oct 24, 2007
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Christmas Fund

Sounds good.

I, too, have put a little aside as DH repairs power tools on the side.
 

sweetpumkinpye

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Apr 23, 2008
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Everybody seems to be doing so well with their savings so far. Keep up the good work.
 

Christmaslvr

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Oct 18, 2007
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We are hoping for a better year as well. Even though we didn't charge any Christmas gifts last year, we still weren't as prepared for buying as I would have liked. This year I will still put away $60 a month towards Christmas and DH will put away $80 a month for us to use for birthdays. Last year I was using what I was putting away for bday gifts also, which is why we we had a very lean Christmas. Hopefully this will work! Years ago, around July, I would start putting just $5 a week away towards my baking supplies so when there were sales in November I would start my shopping for those items. Hoping to do that this year as well!
 

sweetpumkinpye

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One of the things we decided when I resigned from my job, was to keep putting away $50 a fortnight into the Christmas club account. We don't want to be caught short when Christmas arrives. If things get really tough we will reconsider, but I really like the idea of having a buffer there just in case.
 

Ahorsesoul

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Oct 13, 2007
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Every little bit helps and time is flying by.
 

sweetpumkinpye

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Only 9 months until Christmas friends. When you think about how quickly the first 3 months of this year have flown by, it is wise that we keep on track with our savings. Every little bit is going to help come December 25th.
 

jampss

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Flown

Yes! Has this three months FLOWN by. Oh my. We have put some aside from DH side job of tool repair. Amen.
 

sweetpumkinpye

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Ok ladies, we are into July. Christmas 2014 is on its way!!!!! Hoe are we all going with savings and preparations. For all those who have not started saving, it is not too late.
 

MinnieCo

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Apr 10, 2008
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I've been saving change this year. Yes, I use it on occasion, but I'm trying. I plan on using it for the day after Christmas shopping. My roomie did it last year and had a nice stash!
 

Minta

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Oct 14, 2007
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We have been trying to tuck money away each pay and have anice little stash going now. Add to that the gifts we already bought so far and I think we will be in great shape this year. We are trying to be do all cash for Christmas this year. Last year we were close as we only charged the family gift.
 

sweetpumkinpye

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Good job Minta. I am doing better than I thought with the gifts. I also have a jar of change that I really should take to the bank and deposit into the Christmas account. It certainly all adds up.
 

aggy

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Oct 11, 2007
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I'm doing okay. I'm still following the 52 week challenge. There have been a few times where I could only put in about half of what is supposed to go into the savings due to life...however i am putting something in. So I'm feeling pretty good. I think I will start my gift shopping in the middle of August.
 

sweetpumkinpye

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Aggy, well done on sticking with the plan. Sometimes life does get in the way but you have managed to stick with it. Fantastic.
 

Minta

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Great Job Aggy. Even just putting a little away will make it easier.
 

sweetpumkinpye

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I have been looking at what is in my Christmas account and what I need to still buy and I think it will be a bit tight this year. DS has a DGF who I will need to buy for and with prices going up on just about everything it will be a more expensive year. I may have to reevaluate things next year.
 

sweetpumkinpye

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How is everyone with the budget. Here we are in the middle of August, and time is screaming by. If you have not done do for a while, try and save some money, buy a gift, find a stocking filler. Anything to take the pressure off as we head towards Christmas.
 

AuntJamelle

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Oct 22, 2007
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I've been doing the best I can to purchase supplies for the gifts I am making - and the bulk of it is already purchased now - which is good!

I'm going to take a look at stocking stuffers next and make plans to start buying at least 1 every week...