The holidays are approaching, and everyone you know is searching for the best deals on gifts and trying to figure out how to avoid the stress that comes this time of year. If you want to enjoy more time and worry less about spending too much, check out these ideas to help you do both. … [Read more...] about 35 ways to save money and time during the holidays
Christmas
How to holiday shop for people who have everything
No matter what you do, December is a pricey month for most people. Not only are you buying gifts for the holidays, but you may have to spend on food, travel costs, holiday parties and Secret Santa at work. You might even have the added challenge of shopping for someone who has … [Read more...] about How to holiday shop for people who have everything
8 holiday spending mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to bust your budget
We have great intentions when we create our holiday shopping plan of attack. Maybe you're the type who hits the stores armed with flyers, coupons, apps and lists. Or maybe you’re the type to hit the online stores without a plan and marathon shop till you drop. Either way, you could be blowing your … [Read more...] about 8 holiday spending mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to bust your budget
Elegant holiday party on a beer budget
You’d love to give a holiday party, but those events can be real budget-busters. Well, ho-ho-hold on there. There are ways to do it up right and not break the bank. Here are some tips.Invitations Most people today are OK with an e-mail invitation. If you know someone who isn’t, get … [Read more...] about Elegant holiday party on a beer budget
Give homemade soup as a gift to warm the heart
I enjoy few things more than creating and giving homemade gifts. So many different types of foods — such as quick breads, cookies, candy and drink mixes — lend themselves to giving. But giving soup mix in a jar as a gift to someone who may not have the desire to cook for himself can be a wonderful … [Read more...] about Give homemade soup as a gift to warm the heart
10 great affordable gadget gifts
This list of gifts would make perfect stocking stuffers or gifts for guys and girls who love gadgets. The best part is that they are all affordable, with most less than $35, and you can get free shipping if your order total is over a certain amount. Most of these are items that I've given in the … [Read more...] about 10 great affordable gadget gifts
Great gifts for organic gardeners
Home gardening is a popular pastime across the country. Here are our gift ideas, especially for those who practice vegetable gardening and organic home gardening. We’ve selected the best gardening gift ideas costing $25 or less (prices accurate at the time of publication). Our gift ideas … [Read more...] about Great gifts for organic gardeners
10 rules for regifting without guilt
Regifting has gotten a bad rap, mostly because it’s often done carelessly and without consideration of the person who receives the regift. We’ve all heard stories about regifts with the name of the original recipient left in the package – or the gift presented to the person who originally gave … [Read more...] about 10 rules for regifting without guilt
Living on the Cheap gift guide roundup 2023
Some people enjoy thinking about what to buy for gifts, going out to buy gifts, getting home and wrapping gifts, going out to deliver gifts or mail gifts . . .I am not that person.Don't get me wrong. I love it when I happen to see something in a shop or online and think, "That would be … [Read more...] about Living on the Cheap gift guide roundup 2023
Save money by daring to change holiday traditions
If you secretly wish that you could skip the whole holiday gift-giving chaos, you are not alone. Research from Bread Financial showed that money spent on gifts is a major source of holiday stress for couples. We can feel their pain. In fact, 60% of Americans are carrying some credit card debt, and … [Read more...] about Save money by daring to change holiday traditions
Why you should be glad to see Christmas trees in stores already
It’s October, so naturally the department stores are telling me I should be shopping for Christmas tree ornaments, winter coats, and stocking stuffers. Don’t tell them that I haven’t even bought my kids’ Halloween costumes yet, and I just picked up my first bag of candy corn (even though I first … [Read more...] about Why you should be glad to see Christmas trees in stores already
Last-minute 2022 holiday deals for shoppers in helping professions
If you're a teacher, medical professional, first responder or military servicemember, you've probably been too busy helping others to get a lot of your own holiday shopping done. So SheerID, a marketing company that creates personalized offers for these professions and more, has some special … [Read more...] about Last-minute 2022 holiday deals for shoppers in helping professions
Make your own easy holiday wreath
As a traditional part of decorating for the holidays, we adorn our walls and doors with pine wreaths and garlands. The stores are full of wreaths with sensors that start music for passersby, simple plastic-pine wreaths embellished with bells and bows, and natural pine garland wreaths that fill the … [Read more...] about Make your own easy holiday wreath
Hate the mall? 5 places to shop for unique gifts
The holiday shopping season is well upon us, but if visiting a shopping center or mall at this time of the year gives you heart palpitations, not to worry.No matter where you live, there are bound to be some cultural institutions with great gift shops. There, you’re likely to find one-of-a-kind … [Read more...] about Hate the mall? 5 places to shop for unique gifts
Avoid holiday scams and frauds
Holidays are a busy time for all of us, including the scammers and fraudsters working overtime right now to cheat you out of your money, even your identity. Here are types of holiday scams to watch out for. Email scams We couldn’t deliver your package: Spam emails from senders with … [Read more...] about Avoid holiday scams and frauds