Easy ways to save on holidays and special occasions

Easy ways to save on holidays and special occasions

The same problem plagues families year after year. Despite the fact that the holidays come the same time every year, we tend to let them sneak up on our budgets. Before we know it, a holiday, birthday or other family/friend gathering is upon us and we're not financially ready.

Every year I advise starting special occasion shopping as early as possible. That alone spreads out the financial burden of your purchases. It also gives you more time to watch for special deals, coupons, and discounts.

Each of the articles will help you stay on budget with tips, tricks, and hacks for some of the biggest budget busting times of the year.

7 creative ways to have money for the holidays

Despite the fact that the holidays come the same time every year, we tend to let them sneak up on our budgets.

7 Ways to see the holiday blockbusters for less

If one of your holiday traditions is going to see the latest movie blockbuster, you’ll want to read this first.

What to buy when you don’t know what to buy

It happens nearly every year. That one gift you wrack your brain over and still don't know what to buy. This list of suggestions may help you and no boring mugs filled with holiday candy made this list!

Have a blast on the Fourth of July without blasting a hole in your budget

You want to have a good time on the Fourth of July, but trust me when I say you don't want to be in the stores that afternoon. Instead, use these tips to start planning and buying so you'll have nothing to do on the Fourth except enjoy the day.

Summer and the livin' is easy but not always cheap

Summer spending slides into a dangerous level all too easily. These “dos” and “don’ts” will help keep you on track.

Ten Easter savings things to buy now!

Easter dinner is one of the big three meals of the year for many families, the other two being Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many grocers base their April ads on what is traditionally popular for this holiday meal. Don’t miss out on these deals.

What moms really want for Mother's Day

The best ways to show appreciation to mom may require little to no money. Here are seven tips to give the perfect Mother's Day gift or recognition!

5 shrewd ways to slash Halloween spending for Christmas

Americans plan to spend nearly $8.4 billion on Halloween. Slash Halloween spending of almost $83 on average and save it for Christmas. Here's how!

Be the best with 13 lucky ‘no sweet’ handouts

The Pacific Science Center states that the average trick or treat bag contains 4,800 calories, 3 cups of sugar, and 1.5 cups of fat. Help your trick or treat guests cut those unhealthy numbers and be the best with these 13 no sweet handouts.

7 simple ways to save on your Thanksgiving feast

Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to reflect on our blessings, be with family and friends, and… well… pig out on fabulous food. Here are 7 simple ways to save on your Thanksgiving feast that your wallet will be thankful you used.

Cultivating gratitude in a season of excess

Gratitude leads to abundance, joy, and greater prosperity. Try these five ways to avoid the excess and cultivate a sense of gratitude this holiday season. 

Last call for Christmas shopping – Follow these final preparation tips!

Follow these tips to save money in the final week before Christmas. Unexpected expenses happen from last minute shopping without being prepared.

Tips for staying within your Christmas budget

Christmas shopping brings far too many financial headaches! Follow these six tips and save yourself of the annual post-Christmas financial stress.

Credit card offer traps. Don’t get duped this holiday season!

In your eagerness to save this holiday season, don’t get duped into falling for credit card offer traps no matter how good the offer sounds. It doesn’t take much to completely wipe out any “savings” or “benefits” you originally received in the deal. This is what you need to know,