Five Simple Ways to Save at the Holidays

Use a Budget:

Does this suggestion even need to be stated.  The holidays are super busy and super expensive, but why does everyone seem to take this one time of the year and forget all about their budge?  I cant say for others, but I find myself too buys to worry about it.  This is the wrong thing to do.  Write out a Holiday Budget and stick to it.

Skip the Eggnog:

There  are so many Christmas and Holidays specific things that magazines make you think you either must have or must do.  Chestnuts over a open fire?  Seriously why is that a thing?  Forget about the marketing and do what you and your family want to do.  If no one likes eggnog - than just forget all about it. 

Will your kids Really Use that Toy?

Does one of your children want something that you think might end up being a complete and utter waste of your money?  Will your son really plan with the Lacrosse set, your daughter really use a fitbit?  Find someone that already has these items and ask to borrow them for a few weeks over Christmas.  First off if they will part with them for a few weeks, that might partially explain their experience using them.  Second, your own kids will get a chance to practice and see if they really want something like this.

Pass on the Professional Photos:

There is a big push now adays, from Facebook, to make your life seem more full.  And in order to do this you have to have pro photos of your family.  Seriously?  Get a friend and an iphone and save yourself $900.   Even if the pics dont end up looking professional - who really cares?

Stay at a Friends House:

Traveling for the Holidays?  Save yourself and your family $100 and stay at a friends house for at least one night.  You might be pleasantly surprised the amount of enjoyment a limited stay might bring you all.  Seriously, who cares if you have to sleep on a mat on the floor.  Its better to do this when you are young than grow old with no retirement accounts?

There you have it, five simple ways to save for the Holidays. Remember what Ben Franklin never really said: " A penny saved is a penny earned."