Times are tight for everyone this holiday season. Wouldn’t it be great to have a little more cash?
Wouldn’t it be great to figure out how to make the cash you do have stretch farther?
Thanks to Nickelodeon and Walmart you can do both!
Yes, Nickelodeon and Walmart have teamed up to sponsoring a contest that will not only collect together some of the BEST holiday money saving tips on the web, they are also giving one lucky Frugal Upstate reader a $500 Walmart gift card!
Talk about a present that will always be the right color and size!
Since the stakes are high for this contest, so is the bar! There are multiple ways to enter this contest, but for each entry you must submit a separate-that means different folks-holiday specific money saving tip.
Be sure you leave an email address with each tip. If I can’t contact you, I’ll have to choose another winner!
You can enter 5 separate times by doing each of, or any combination of, the following:
#1-By commenting on this post and leaving a holiday money saving tip.
#2-By writing a blog post mentioning a) this contest, b) Nickelodeon, c) Walmart & d) Frugal Upstate. Then in that post you have to give a different holiday money saving tip (don’t just repeat your original tip) and link back to this post. Then you have to come back here and leave another comment with the link back to your blog post.
#3-If you use twitter, you can tweet a holiday money saving tip, using the #nick11 hashtag in the tweet, and then return and leave another comment.
#4-You can create a Video Blog (Vlog) with a holiday money saving tip. You must mention a) the contest, b) Nickelodeon, c)Walmart and d) Frugal Upstate in the video. Then post it to Youtube & come back to comment here and link to the video.
#5-Subscribe to this blog, then leave a comment letting me know you have with, yes, another holiday money saving tip. If you are already subscribed you don’t have to do it again, just tell me that and leave your tip.
I WILL THROW OUT any entries that are not about the holidays, or that do not follow the directions above (ie didn’t link back to this post in their post, don’t mention Nickelodeon etc)
The winner will be chosen at random (using the random number generator) out of all the valid entries. I say again-the VALID entries. Make sure you read and follow those directions above folks!!!
The contest runs from today-Friday November 28th through Monday December 15th at 12 noon, EST.
You can enter to win a $500 Walmart gift card not only here but at all of the ElevenMoms’ sites. You can only win once, but you can try to win at each site. Each contest may have slightly different rules, so make sure you read carefully! Many of the tips will be featured on the Elevenmoms site-maybe even yours!
So good luck! I am looking forward to seeing all the great ideas. . .
Garage Sales!! I find a lot of gifts given to people who in turn sell them at garage sales or donate them to church sales. I try to only buy items that still have the tags on or are still boxed up and look new. I keep them stored in a closet and early in Dec. do my own “shopping at home”!! I even pick out a few for myself and have my husband wrap them for me.
Take out those holiday candles that never get used and turn off the lights.
Always go to the store with a list and never buy anything not on the list.
rebbi511 at peoplepc.com
Save money by getting a family gift that everyone can enjoy, instead of lots of individual gifts
Here’s my tweet :). I’ll be back w/another comment and I’m working on the blog post :).
THANKS for the chance to win!
pensieve(dot)love(at)gmail(dot)come
There are always people you should give a little gift to – the neighbor, piano teacher, etc., so my kids make those pinecone birdfeeders with penaut butter and birdseed, tie two together with holiday ribbon, and wrap it in a shoe box. Who doesn’t love to feed the birds! Make a few extra for those last minute gifts.
i use coupons buy on sale an alot of things i end up getting at little or no cost. i buy at sales garage,thrift stores (oh i get new things to give not used)retail stores clearance tables an sales. i ask people for ideas but tell them that that is what it is just ideas. then i buy things i think others would like that i like an store em till needed
Only buy sale/clearance items. Everything eventually goes on sale and it’s a great bargain if you wait for 1/2 off clearance prices too:)
Great Contest! My hubby and I both work FT, so having the time, money energy, and sanity are important resources that we have to balance in order to keep our family that includes 5 kids happy and healthy. A typical Sunday afternoon in our house includes the whole family together in the kitchen, busily preparing the upcoming week’s “menu” of meals. A household favorite of ours is when we make a quadruple batch of a casserole,chili, or chowder. Casseroles,chilis,& chowders are nice, relatively easy dishes to prepare. On Sundays, after a family vote,we make four batches of a casserole, and a chowder or chili, and put the other three batches of each in the freezer. Then, the next time during the week when we need a quick main meal for the family, its so easy grab one of those batches and just heat it up in a snap! Its easy to change it up & add a little variety by adding a tossed side salad,fresh baked biscuits, etc.(this also makes it more eye appealing so the kids aren’t “staring” at the same old thing 4 days out of the week) Leftovers from that holiday turkey and ham are perfect (we have already planned a ham & scalloped potato casserole, corn chowder and turkey chili with our Thanksgiving holiday leftovers) Doing this saves us alot of time & money & allows us to buy the ingredients in bulk, making each main dish cheaper than it would be ordinarily – and far cheaper & healthier than eating out or tossing a prepackaged meal in the microwave. Plus, this gives us great family time to socialize and work together, discussing & planning the recipe/menu,preparing the ingredients, cutting up veggies, etc. My kids really have an interest in helping and learning how to cook, too! I also make up 2 batches of 8 different kinds of Holiday cookies (not all at once, but here and there over a course of one week when I have free time)and carefully wrap and freeze them. This saves a lot of money and we get more cookies than we would if we'd bought the packaged stuff. My kids absolutely love baking, decorating & eating them! This plan has been an all around success for us over 2 years now!
Instead of stringing up lights outside and making the electricity bill go up, we string popcorn and peanuts in the shell on yarn and wrap that around the evergreen tree outside. The birds and squirrels love it and we get free entertainment! Thanks!
I am a subscriber, and here's another tip…We have a heavy duty shredder that I use very regularly.( I bought it a doctors office that was closing down for $10!) I shred just about everything–including torn up pieces of wrapping paper, old school papers,flyers,mail,etc. & use for packing instead of tissue paper, and mix it all up. Its free,reusuable,good for the environment, and often enough comes out to be pretty colorful, LOL!
Thankyou for the chance to win the Walmart and Nickolodeon giveway. My biggest holiday money saving tip is to have a seperate holiday gift account funded entirely by working extra or extra penny pinching savings. If I am willing to work extra then the gifts are items that i have sacrificed for and I am extremely frugal in picking them. In the past, I have given up coffee out for six months, eaten only rice and beans for supper a set number of times during the week, given up cable TV and/or worked extra jobs to fund the account. This has forced me to think about why I want to give a certain gift and question my values and maybe the giftees values and to be very creative. Thankyou for all the work that you do, denisebc
Think about the holidays year round. When you are out shopping during the year, check out the sales and clearance sections in the stores and if you see some things that would make great gifts, go ahead and buy them. That way, you save money, you don’t have a lot of last minute shopping, and your bank account doesn’t take a big hit all at once.
Last year, we waited so embarrassingly long to get a tree it was hard for me to find a good live tree at a reasonable price. Lowes had put their artificial trees on clearance, and I figured if the tree lasts more than three years, I’m saving money in the long run compared to the cost of live trees.
My best money-saving holiday tip is to remember the purpose of the holiday and celebrate with friends and family, minimizing gift buying and helping those in need.
I really hate to shop, so it is easy for me not to spend too much on gifts. I do a lot of handwork, and family members frequently ask me to make various things for them, so sweaters, afghans, quilts, etc make good gifts for them. Otherwise, I stick pretty much to gift cards–again, easy to not overspend since you can definitely decide how much to put on the card.
clynsgatyahoo.com
With families and extended families that get together for the holidays, we try to be aware of what will cause a monetary hardship on any family(ies). When we get together for a holday dinner, those who can most afford it provide the meats, others bring less costly dishes. This is not something that is discussed; it is simply something that is. When the children make out their Christmas list, they put both pricey (because they have each have a set of grandparents that buy expensive gifts at Christmas) and more modest gifts for the rest of us to choose from. Again, it is not something that is discussed, it just is. The children understand the concept of certain households have more money to spend on gifts and certain households have less but ALL love them. When families understand each family member and their circumstances, no one has to overextend at Christmas and you help some family members save money they need for their own household needs.
For inexpensive ornaments, buy a spool of wired ribbon and make your own bows. Cheap and pretty.
mdstesuom24@yahoo.com
Start your shopping early. Start by making a list of everyone you need to buy for and your spending limit. Then shop online for deals using coupon codes for discounts and free shipping or take advantage of some stores having free site-to-store shipping.Always make sure to stick to your budget.
ksieker(at)hotmail(dot)com
Homemage gifts will save you a lot of money and they usually mean more to the person who receives them. Get your kids involved in making them.
ksieker(at)hotmail(dot)com
Save money and trees when sending holiday cards. At most photo card websites you can also get photo card postcards. They are cheaper to order and will cost less in postage since you will only need a postcard stamp. They will also save paper by eliminating the need for an envelope!
ksieker(at)hotmail(dot)com
Save money on holiday dinner by making it potluck. Create a menu, thensend it to them and have them pick what they want to bring or leave the menu open to whatever people bring.
ksieker(at)hotmail(dot)com
Save money on wrapping paper and gift boxes. Use the boxes you receive samples in (WalMart sample boxes are great for this) or boxes that products you buy come in. To save money on wrapping paper use paper grocery bags and wrap that gift in it print side in, then use stamps or stickers to decorate the paper.
ksieker(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have always saved ornaments from years gone by and take them out and paint the ones that are plain or change the pictures on the already painted ones. I also use my pinecones from my tree and make beautiful wreaths by spray painting them. They have lasted for over 10 years. I just repaint, and they look like brand new. Also, I design my own Christmas cards with recycled paper photo copy them for 5 cents.
As far as lights, I still use the ones from 2000. I make sure to pack them carefully and they still work. To save money on electricity I only put them on for 2 hours a night, from 8-10 when people are driving around to see all the beautiful displays. Christmas items made from the heart go a long way and have so much meaning.
hi-two ways my family and i save money for the holidays are- that each year we get together and draw names- we each buy only one gift, and everyone gets a gift, without anyone overspending. i also shop year round, whenever i see a good sale, i will buy it, and save it for the next holiday or gift exchange.
I use rebate sites like fatwallet to do my shopping, you can get a percentage back from purchases!
Having a potluck dinner instead of one person being responsible for the whole thing is much better during the holidays. Everyone is so busy and it also gives everyone a chance to help out!
buy out of season
Make a list and stick to it
My money saving tip is to pay for everything using cash! Decide on a realistic budget ahead of time, take out that amt of cash and no more comes out of the bank if you go over. I try to even stay UNDER budget and then we use that for a special treat or activity.
Thanks for the chance to win
sue
marklovessue@numail.org
I follow your blog, love it! , using google reader.
Thanks for the chance to win
sue
marklovessue@numail.org
Have a pick a person. All you have to worry about buying for is the person that you pick.
I garage sale all summer long and find many new items still in boxes or with price tags still on. I can give elegant gifts for just pennies. I can also decorate each room with the lovely wreaths and decorations I have purchased.
I put the cash that I want to spend on each friend/family member into separate envelopes with their names on it. As I purchase gifts for that person, the money to pay comes from the envelope with their name on it, and the change goes back in. The item and amount spent is noted on the front with a running total spent.
I shop our fabulous children’s consignment shop, craigslist and freecycle for gifts for my daughter – with kids toys and clothes they are often outgrown before they show any wear!
I shop for gifts all year, starting with the day after Christmas and pick up clearance items. Not only do I save a ton of money, but the spending is stretched out over the year which makes it easier on the budget!
jamielz@verizon.net
Comparison shop for everything and use price match with discount whenever possible. Thank you!
Thanks to Nickelodeon for sponsoring this awesome giveaway! I save money during the holidays by using found objects to decorate. I use pine cones that I found at a local cemetery wired up in sets of three with some dollar store ribbons. I hang them down my staircase, on my mantle and around the french doors. Festive yet frugal.
I subscribed to the Frugal Upstate feed using MyYahoo. Thanks again to Nickelodeon for an awesome giveaway! and here’s another tip. Free decorations are available just by going out in the yard and snipping evergreen boughs and bittersweet from the bushes. I stuff these in old urns I have outside.
This past year I started saving up all my money from doing online paid surveys and point opportunities etc and I’m using that money and the giftcards and THATS IT to pay for my daughter and sons Christmas presents! It may just be a dollar here or there, but it does add up!!
Holiday saving tip: Save last years little bags from people who gave you gifts. (Don’t give them back to thhe same person though!)
My money saving holiday tip is to draw names this year. That’s what we had to resort to. Things are just so tight and my husband’s family just keeps growing and growing. Nieces and nephews who are now having kids or their own. We’re cutting out all the extended family this year and only giving gifts to our immediate family. We also drew names for the first time in our lives. Both of my brothers are temporarily laid off and my dads hours were cut in half. Everyone is on such a tight budget and by drawing names we can all save a lot of money.
Thanks for the awesome contest.
gugel98atgmaildotcom
I make a list and shop online using free shipping codes and other discount codes I find posted on forums. I save money by not driving around wasting gas, not impulse shopping, and not having to spend money shipping gifts myself (let alone the time and effort I save).
I subscribed!!!yay!
…wrap A present in a present (for example, a hat in a matching scarf, jewelry in a wooden box, cookies in a reusable tin or cookie jar, barbecue grill utensils or picnic supplies in a tablecloth!!!
be crafty!!!
use Dry, popped popcorn instesd of buying foam peanuts(include a note explaining that birds/ducks can eat it.) this would be a great family outing too!!!
mamamy26@gmail.com
We try to save money by giving folks gifts that they actually need so they can save money in their day to day routine, and we spend a lot of time playing board games over the holiday and enjoying each other rather than enjoying stuff we don’t need. We are much more about the memories than the merchandise!
To save money this year we have eliminated the cousin gift exchange. Our family Christmas party will focus more on family and fun than gifts-a great tradition to have! For my family this will save at least $80.00!
Aimee
http://journalofamomma.blogspot.com/
I left a post on my blog talking about making ornaments for grandparents rather than buying storebought gifts-a big money saver!
Aimee
http://journalofamomma.blogspot.com/
Awesome contest! 😉
Tip: Check with your bank/credit union to see if they have a Christmas Club. Most do. Put away a set amount to this each week over the course of the year. They usually “mature” in October giving you plenty of time to shop. The money will be there. No worries about how to do the shopping. Even better – do direct deposit…
~Lisa (lisaanne29@hotmail.com)
I just blogged too…
http://maineberrypatch.blogspot.com/2008/11/holiday-contest.html