10 Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

Here are some ways I have saved this holiday season:

1. Use gift cards received throughout the year. I try and save gift cards I receive and then use them on gifts. I also cashed out points and got gift cards for gifts too.

2. Inventory wrapping paper, decorations, etc. I was low on wrapping paper so luckily the Hallmark $5.00 coupon deal had come along at the right time and I bought four rolls for $3.26. The coupons are good until Dec.24. Be sure to check the December issues of Real Simple, Oprah, and more for the coupons. I also ran low on gift tags and I had another coupon and got a nice assortment of tags for $3.00.

3. Calm it down on baking. I did participate in a cookie exchange and that was fun, but I stuck with a basic oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe. It turned out great! I put the cookies in white bakery boxes (skipped buying the expensive holiday tins) and they were a hit.

4. Stock up on pantry necessities. For example, Target has had Betty Crocker cookie mixes, Betty Crocker boxed potatoes, and more at really good prices lately. Match up with coupons for more savings.

5. Shop Amazon lightning deals. Amazon offers their lightning deals through mid-December, so it’s a good time to snag some deals!

6. Taking advantage of $10 off $10 coupons. I received coupons from Kohl’s and JCPenney a few weeks ago which were $10 off $10 any item. I found (2) really nice gifts at both stores and used the coupons.

7. Spend less on stocking stuffers. I had stocked up end of Christmas sale last year and am always on the lookout for small gifts.

8. Order holiday cards early. This year I ordered my cards in October. Though it felt weird to order holiday cards before Halloween, I received an awesome Shutterfly deal in my e-mail that I had to use. I received free cards and only paid shipping.

9. Regift…creatively. That’s all I’m going to say. My family might be reading this!

10. Use printable coupons. I always check online coupons and deals before heading out to the mall!

How do you save money when shopping during the holiday season? What are your money-saving tips and tricks?

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

For great deals, freebies and more, check out Savingsmania.com. As one of the original money-saving blogs, Savingsmania.com by Diane Schmidt has been blogging and saving you money since 2003- http://www.savingsmania.com/

7 Tips for Shopping on Black Friday

1. Stay Hydrated—The single-most important factor in athletic competitions can be water. Is not shopping on Black Friday pretty much the Super Bowl of shopping? My rule of thumb is “Pre-hydrate, then rehydrate.”
2. Don’t Mistreat the Feet—Black Friday is not a fashion event and comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. Flip flops are not allowed. You don’t want a stubbed toe or a twisted ankle to take you out of the race.
3. Gas it Up—Before sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner send a family member out to fill the fuel tank. Running out of gas could mean the difference between your kids getting an Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect or a Limited Edition Chia Pet.
4. Map it Out—Do you know where the Electronics or Toy aisle is at your store? Simply following everyone else won’t work because you’ll be at the front of the pack. They’re all following you!
5. Bring Snacks—Nothing is worse than waiting in line for three hours only to pass out from a sugar low mere feet from the checkout counter. Just trust me on this one.
6. Tag Team—Bring a friend (a really fast one). When the doors open one of you can snag the deals while the other gets a place in the checkout line. Remember, seconds count.
7. Have a List—Some of us can be forgetful in times of stress. Make a list and bring it with you. Santa not only makes a list, but he also checks it twice.

In the end just remember to relax and have fun. Every contest will have both winners and losers—and you’re better than both of them.

Do you go shopping on Black Friday? What are your Black Friday shopping tips and tricks?

One of the most exciting parts of back-to-school for kids is the first day of school. Kids love to spot their new clothes, pose for their “first day of school” photo, and then walk through the doors of their school to see their friends after the summer. To help celebrate the “first day of school” photos, Cherokee and Cozi are hosting a back-to-school photo contest. All you have to do is upload your “first day of school” photo via Cherokee’s Facebook page. Check out Cherokee’s facebook page for a chance to win Cherokee clothing and a smartphone with the Cozi app.

Cherokee is a great option for your back to school clothes. Their brand strives to be timeless, a perfect fit, and affordable. Cherokee also provides footwear and accessories to match everything you have.  They have something for everyone in your family. Who says back-to-school is just for kids. Mom and dad can get a new outfit too. Whether you want something new and trendy or more classic, you can count on Cherokee to have it.

The Prizes

This week’s giveaway is all about Back-To-School Organization. Two lucky winners will each receive a $200 Gift Card (ARV: $400).

Entry Requirements

For a chance to enter and win, please complete the following requirements and leave a separate comment for each on this post, including links to your original tweets.

1. Like the Cherokee Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/cherokeeusa?sk=app_229374760434753).
2. Follow @cherokee_usa on Twitter.
3. Answer the following question in the comment section below: What are you doing to keep your kids organized during back to school time?
4. Tweet the following:

• RT @MomItForward A “1st day of school” photo could win u $1,000 in clothing & @cozifamily app! http://on.fb.me/pipPty #gno #Cherokee PLS RT

• RT @MomItForward GIVEAWAY! Enter 4 a chance 2 win a $200 Gift Card (2 Winners) http://bit.ly/q3oMCY #gno #Cherokee PLS RT

Optional Entries

The following are extra entries that are completely optional and will earn you one extra entry for each completed item. Leave a separate comment on this post for each completed optional entry.

• Follow @momitforward on Twitter.
• Like Mom It Forward on Facebook: http://facebook.com/momitforward.

Terms and Conditions

Winners will be selected randomly through http://random.org. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Wednesday, September 21. See all terms and conditions here. This giveaway is available to U.S. residents only.

Adopt the mentality that you can give yourself a raise. I don’t know how many times I have heard someone say, “I need to find a way to earn a few hundred extra dollars a month.” You don’t have to look very far. There are money saving tips at your fingertips that can free up that kind of money; giving you the raise you are looking for.

Money-Saving Grocery Shopping Tips

1. Eat dinner at home. Start by taking just one month and go on an ‘Eating Out Fast’. Track your savings and be amazed. Re-invest the $200 back into your own pocket.
2. Don’t eat out at work. If you are cooking dinners at home, chances are you will have ample leftovers for a great free lunch.
3. Attempt coupons. But don’t let it overwhelm you to the point of throwing out the baby with the bath water. Many people think you have to eat the ‘whole enchilada’ and clip coupons, shop several stores, etc. The thought is so overwhelming and taxing to an already stressed person, the “what’s the use” feeling takes over. Try starting out small, use a few coupons and venture into another whole level of savings one little bit at a time.
4. Switch to store brand products. Pick the 2 or 3 national brands you can’t live without, then search for coupons for those items. Use store brands in recipes and dishes that will go unnoticed by your family, ie. pasta, sauces, etc.
5. Take on the challenge: “The drive thru $10-dollar dinner grocery store challenge!” We’ve all been there: I have nothing go fix for dinner and it’s 5 O’clock. If you make a last minute run to the grocery store, pick up the flyer at the door to get your dinner idea. Try to keep the ingredients under $10 total.
6. Make a dinner plan each week. Start with planning at least 5 dinners with a complete, detailed grocery list. Begin with your sale flyer and base your dinner ideas and sides off the sales. A detailed list, then sticking to the list, along with once-a-week shopping can be a magical cure to overspending.
7. Remember the “shaving principle” – it works! Shave a little here, shave a little there. Before you know it, it really adds up. If you are over-spending an average of .50 cents per item, you could easily free up $60 to $100 per month! So shave, shave, shave, every way you can – through coupons, buying store brands, and finding the lowest possible price.

Remember, one the best ways to free up money in your household budget is in the grocery budget category. Most other expenses you cannot shrink and are fixed amounts, such as a mortgages or car payments. Enter the “grocery store saving and shaving game” and watch that portion boomerang back in to your own wallet. The saving game is for everyone, so enter in, take control, and reclaim every hard-earned dollar back to the well being of your own family.

How do you approach your grocery shopping? What ways help you to cut your budget and spend less at the grocery store every week?

For those who are interested in a meal planning system, be sure to check out E-Mealz. Mom It Forward readers are being offered a special discount if you sign up. Just use the following code: forward.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Jane DeLaney is the Founder and CEO of E-Mealz, Inc. E-Mealz provides a simple on-line meal planning system based around Jane’s own frugal organization structure and delicious recipes the whole family can enjoy. Visit www.e-mealz.com for more information.

Here’s a thought: Have you ever turned to your mobile device to help you complete your holiday shopping? Why waste paper when you can use your phone to help you while you’re actually in the stores shopping. Knowing that people need assistance and organization when it comes to holiday shopping, SWAGG rolled out a mobile app that lets you shop smarter using your mobile phone – including buying, sending or swapping SWAGG gifts. In other words, holiday shopping just got easier, smarter and less stressful.

Party Topic

Join SWAGG and our panel of experts as we discuss using mobile devices and apps to shop smarter. The party will be held on Tuesday, December 21 from 9-11 ET (8CT, 7MT, 6PT). Click here to see details about the giveaway and enter for a chance to win. By the way, feel free to join our discussion on the new Mom It Forward forum to talk about using mobile devices and apps to shop smarter!

Party Details

• What: Girls’ Night Out (#gno) Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)
• When: Tuesday, December 21 from 9-11 p.m. EST (8CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)
• Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid! (Use hashtags #gno and #SWAGG)
• Topic: Smart shopping using mobile devices and apps
• Who: Brand Panelist: @swaggmobile, Community Panelists: @LittleTechGirl @Tech4Moms @rockinmama @CarleyKnobloch @scrappinmichele @superdumb, Moderators: @jylmomIF @Dadventurous @troypattee and @MomItForward
• Party Favors: Click here to enter for a chance to win an 11″ MacBook Air
• RSVP: Use Mr. Linky below (enter the twitter URL and your twitter ID (e.g., http://twitter.com/jylmomIF).

RT @MomItForward Join @swaggmobile #gno Twitter party Tue 12/21 (9-11 ET) 2 chat smarter shopping http://bit.ly/gzyANX PLS RT

Note: Mom It Forward accepts paid sponsorships for most #gno Twitter parties. During the parties, brand sponsors provide tips, techniques, expert advice, and information on party topics. Mom It Forward is grateful for the giveaway prizes, coupons, and discounts that sponsors also provide to the Mom It Forward community in conjunction with #gno Twitter parties.

The Prizes

This week’s giveaway is all about family health goals. One lucky winner will receive a $250 Amazon Gift Card.

Entry Requirements

For a chance to enter and win, please complete the following requirements and leave a separate comment for each on this post, including links to your original tweets.

1. Follow @BeShareworthy on Twitter.
2. Visit the website beshareworthy.com, check out what brands they think are Shareworthy, and leave a comment on Mom It Forward about which Shareworthy post you like best.
3. Tweet the following:

• RT @MomItForward Join @BeShareworthy #gno Twitter party on Tue 12/14 (9-11 ET) 2 chat family health goals http://bit.ly/g5OpLw PLS RT

• RT @MomItForward GIVEAWAY! Enter 4 chance 2 win a $250 Amazon Gift Card http://bit.ly/ejilej #gno #Shop4Health PLS RT

Terms and Conditions

Winners will be selected randomly through http://random.org. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends at midnight ET Wednesday, December 15. See all terms and conditions here.

Due to cost and availability, people tend to divide purchases between drugstores, supermarket and specialty stores to get the most bang for their buck. In order to make this process easier on your wallet and time, it’s important to discuss ways to improve the entire experience in order to help you reach your family’s health goals.

Party Topic

Join Pink Tank and our panel of experts as we discuss how grocery stores, and brands sold there, can help people meet more family health goals than food alone. The party will be held on Tuesday, December 14 from 9-11 ET (8CT, 7MT, 6PT). Click here to see details about the giveaway and enter for a chance to win.

Party Details

• What: Girls’ Night Out (#gno) Twitter party (Click here to learn about #gno!)
• When: Tuesday, December 14 from 9-11 p.m. EST (8CT, 7 MT, & 6 PT)
• Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid! (Use hashtags #gno and #Shop4Health)
• Topic: Family Health Goals
• Who: Brand Panelists: @beshareworthy, Community Panelists: @savings_steward @alisonlewis @fujimama @JoyceHarrellRN @banteringblonde @DuongSheahan @CarissaRogers, Moderators: @jylmomIF @Dadventurous @troypattee and @MomItForward
• Party Favors: Click here to enter for a chance to win a $250 Amazon Gift Card
• RSVP: Use Mr. Linky below (enter the twitter URL and your twitter ID (e.g., http://twitter.com/jylmomIF).

RT @MomItForward Join @BeShareworthy #gno Twitter party Tue 12/14 (9-11 ET) 2 chat family health goals http://bit.ly/g5OpLw PLS RT

Note: Mom It Forward accepts paid sponsorships for most #gno Twitter parties. During the parties, brand sponsors provide tips, techniques, expert advice, and information on party topics. Mom It Forward is grateful for the giveaway prizes, coupons, and discounts that sponsors also provide to the Mom It Forward community in conjunction with #gno Twitter parties.

When it comes to holiday shopping, oftentimes there are some people who are impossible when it comes to gift buying. On behalf of the launch of the PASS from American Express, we want to make your shopping season even easier by offering American Express Gift Cards giveaway! The Gift Card from American Express is the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Unlike some other gift cards, American Express Gift Cards have no fees after purchase—no fees for activation, no fees for checking a balance, no fees for monthly servicing, no fees for card replacement, and the funds on the card never expire.  The American Express Gift Card is accepted at millions of locations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands where American Express® Cards are accepted.

The Prizes

This week’s giveaway is all about watching what you spend when it comes to holiday shopping. Five lucky winners will receive a $50.00 American Express Gift Card.

Entry Requirements

For a chance to enter and win, please complete the following requirements and leave a separate comment for each on this post, including links to your original tweets.

1. Follow @AmericanExpress on Twitter.
2. Visit the PASS website, check out the product and leave a comment on Mom It Forward sharing one tip for talking to your kids about money.

1. Tweet the following:

• RT @MomItForward – Join @AmericanExpress #gno Twitter party on Mon 11/22 (9-11 pm ET) 2 chat kids & spending http://bit.ly/aRDmEx PLS RT

• RT @MomItForward – GIVEAWAY! Enter 4 chance 2 win a $50 American Express Gift Card (5 winners) http://bit.ly/aD06rj #gno #AmExPass PLS RT

Terms and Conditions

Winners will be selected randomly through http://random.org. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends at midnight ET Tuesday, November 23. See all terms and conditions here.

* Source:  Nielson.com September 28, 2010

What’s prompting me to ask that question again today is a little jaunt down memory lane.

When I was 8-years old, I wanted to go shopping. The mall was 15-20 minutes from my house. My mom was gone. I was left home to babysit my 4-year-old sister. Leaving an 8-year old home alone could be fodder for an entirely different post, but I’ll stick to the point. I had to be resourceful. When a girl “needs” to go shopping, a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do, right? For me, that meant calling our local taxi company and hiring a cab to take me, my 7-year-old girlfriend, and my 4-year old sister to said mall. I.WAS.EIGHT!

A little background. My grandma was an alcoholic. She had lost her driver license and so whenever we visited and she wanted to take us anywhere, we’d always have to go in a taxi. It was the only reason I would have been exposed to them as they weren’t abundant in the city of Mesa, Arizona in the 70s. I thought it was totally normal for a person who couldn’t drive to use one to get somewhere they desperately needed to go—like the mall!

Back to the story!

Part of my being resourceful also included borrowing some of my dad’s money and figuring out how to not have the neighbors get in the way of me reaching my final destination. The solution? To have the taxi pick us up in an adjacent neighborhood about three blocks away in front of a stranger’s house.

Mission accomplished!

We spent 2 1/2 glorious hours at the mall. I only had about $3 to spend, so I bought my sister some earrings. Tell me if I wasn’t the most thoughtful sister evs. I didn’t make sure she left the house with shoes on and she ended up shoeless on our journey to the mall, but I bought her earrings. Doesn’t shopping trump everything?

Back to the homestead. My parents had returned home shortly after we had left. My mom called my friend’s house, looking for us. She went around the neighborhood. She started getting worried. And then she found it. My clue! See… I wasn’t totally cold hearted. I didn’t want my mom to worry…too much! So, I wrote a note: “Mom, I’m going to Reed Park… in a taxi.” Sure, it was a half truth, but that last part was all the clue it took for her to call our local Dial-A-Ride and find out about our adventure.

The taxi driver dropped us off exactly where he picked us up, which required us to walk 3 blocks back to our house. We had lots of stares and heard lots of whispers as we made the trek. I didn’t really have a chance to make a grand entrance or say goodbye to my friend when we reached my lawn, because I was whisked away by my nervous mom who marched me right down to my bedroom.

I wasn’t allowed to play with my friend EVER again. Apparently, her mom thought I was a bad influence. WHAT? I was resourceful!!! I saw a need and I met it with limited resources and only a pinch of stealing and lying.

The up side: My sister’s feet returned to their original color. Her ears glistened with the new earrings. I had a huge adventure notch on my belt. And I had given my parents a wild ride! Everyone’s looking for a little something to spice up their life, right? That was me: life spicer upper!

But no matter how many positive spins I put on this story, the fact of the matter is that while I knew I was a shopping diva, in my parents’ eyes, they had two daughters who were MISSING, which was more than quite a scare!

What would you do if your child went missing for 3 hours?

Looking to find a stylish steal of a deal and have fun while doing it? Don’t take it from me, learn a few tips from the pros, my USFs—Allison from Petit Elefant or @petit_elefant, Carina from Jet Set or @jet_set, and Melissa from Isly or @melissapher.

Here is what I learned this past weekend while thrifting in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah!

1. Get Organized and Connected!

While the actual shopping was fun (yes! I admit it!), the whole thrifting experience would have been void without friends. Sharing your finds is half the fun, so having one person organize the event—invite people, create a schedule, e-mail information—was extremely helpful. Before the outing, I loved knowing who was going, getting pre-shopping tips, organizing carpools, and chit chatting back and forth on e-mail to generate excitement.

(From left: Allison, Marie, Emily, Carina, and Melissa)

2. Prepare an Itinerary.
Receiving a schedule of the thrifting events was awesome, because it gave us a play-by-play of the day’s activity. That way, if we had to arrive late or leave early or only had a certain amount of time we could be there, we could plan accordingly.

3. Provide Pre-Shopping Tips.

For non-thrift-shopping gals, receiving a few helpful pre-shopping tips like these made the whole experience easier:

• If you’re looking to buy furniture, measure the space in your house and bring the dimensions with you so you don’t buy a piece that is too large or small for the space.
• If you’re looking to buy clothes or shoes, wear clothes that can easily be removed and put back on.

4. Choose Vintage Stores Close in Proximity But With a Variety of Products.

When shopping with 10+ gals, especially on a snowy day, make sure to schedule your stops close together. We went to several stores within walking distance and then drove to another two also within walking distance. I loved the diverse mix of products in each of the stores. I bought a red hat in Retro Rose and a cute silk dress at The Green Ant. Other stores sported bottle collections, furniture, a vintage Jack-in-the-Box, and extensive jewelry collections.

5. Tempt the Palate.

What’s an outing without food? Starting and ending on a delicious note not only kept everyone’s tummy’s full and happy, but also provided an extra opportunity for socializing.

Choosing the eateries also played a role in both setting the tone and wrapping things up in savory style. We went foreign for breakfast with Belgian Waffles from Bruges and to Gormandise Bakery “famous for its spectacular desserts” for lunch.

6. Open Your Mind and Your Pocketbook, But Not Before Haggling.

Being a non-thrifting gal myself prior to this event, part of its success for me was simply being open minded. I didn’t think the silky number would fit and wasn’t in the mood to try things on. Peer pressure got me into the dressing room and out of the store with a cute dress perfect for me at a great price ($20 folks!). Of course, I had to be willing to pull out the pocketbook. Frugal isn’t free! But, I did learn the price is always up for negotiation—a little friendly haggling!—one thing I wouldn’t dare do at Nordie’s.

7. Capture the Event!

One of the funnest parts of the experience was taking pictures as we went from store to store. Check out the entire activity on Whrrl by clicking here!

A seasoned thrifter? New to the game? Leave a comment with your tips, questions, or advice.