M is for Money

It was Labor Day weekend and I couldn’t believe my eyes – Costco had already gone Christmas! There were ribbons and wrapping paper, silly mechanical lawn ornaments and all the other holiday paraphernalia for sale. It’s amusing to me that while the date stays the same each year, the holiday shopping season keeps starting earlier and earlier.

Rather than be repulsed by this creeping commercialism, it reminded me that now is the time to start planning for a frugal holiday. I always spend more when I wait until the last minute because good money saving ideas take time to implement. So with Christmas coming, here are a few thoughts on how to get an early start on the holiday and save money in the process.

Stock Up for Holiday Cooking

I love to cook, I love to eat too but we don’t talk about that. Many a holiday memory is made over Christmas cookies or around the Christmas dinner table. Over the next few months keep an eye out for those supermarket sales to stock up your pantry. There is nothing worse than paying full price for nuts, those little suckers are expensive.

Keep an Eye Pealed for Bargains

Black Friday may mean big sales, but only on certain items. Start tracking prices now on those must haves so you’ll know a bargain when you see one. Waiting till the last minute to buy means you are at the mercy of the current price, good or bad.

Do It Yourself Gifts

Handmade gifts com from the heart, but they don’t come overnight. Planning, making and packaging handmade gifts takes a lot of time. A hastily thrown together homemade gift is just cheap and tacky, don’t do it. Get nice jars for homemade jams and bath salts, put together a basket with a few small store bought gifts mixed in. Last year we made flavored oil and vinegar sets, in the basket I also included some cute tea towels and a kitchen gadget or two.

Start a Saving Fund

Christmas is no fun when you have to go into debt to pay for it. It comes the same time each year, no reason you can’t be prepared. Make a holiday budget (don’t forget food, travel, tree etc) and start saving now. I get 3 paychecks in October, one of which will fill up my Christmas fund.

It Creeps up Quickly

I’ve already noticed a change in the air, the feeling of fall. It’s certain the holidays will be here quickly whether I am prepared or not. Starting the season early has benefits for retailers, why not take a cue from them and start planning for your holidays now too. With extra time you can have a happy holiday that is full of cheer while fitting your budget.


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