Friday, October 29, 2010

Quick and Easy Ways to Off-Set Your Christmas Budget

Gather up all the rewards you have earned this year and set these aside for Christmas spending.  You may have some or all of these:


Credit Card Rewards
If you reward balance is high enough, request a check, order gift cards or order gifts for those on your list.  (NOTE:  I am not encouraging anyone to get a credit card.  This is listed for those who may already have rewards that are unused.)

Department Store Rewards
Grab your Kohl's cash or other offers and use to pick up gifts, clothing your family needs for the holidays and/or items required for entertaining.  Even though these seem "FREE", be a savvy shopper to get the most out of these rewards.

Disney Movie Rewards
Enter codes from previously purchased DVD and blu-ray HERE and use balance to order small items your youngsters on your list.

Drug Store Rewards
Apply earned ECB, RR or +UP coupons to sale items you need for baking, cooking, or cleaning. Also, pick up sale items for gifts or stocking stuffers.

Gift Cards
Whether you have less than $1 or $100 on a card, use it up as you shop for all your holiday needs.

My Coke Rewards
Go online HERE to register and key in codes from caps and cartons.  Use points to order free coupons for drinks you can slip into stockings or redeem to purchase sodas to serve at holiday parties.  Magazine subscriptions and other "gifts" are also available.

Office Store Rewards
Use Max Perks, Staples Rewards or Office Max Rewards to purchase photo paper, ink, envelopes or other items needed for holiday mailings.  Label Makers, cute school supplies and scrap booking materials may also be available and could make nice gifts.

Unwanted Merchandise
We'll all done it.  Something looks great in the store and awful at our home.  If the item is unopened and purchased recently, consider returning it for cash, credit or store credit.  Use the found money to buy gifts.  More details are HERE.  Not keen on returning items?  Look carefully at the item to determine if it really suites someone else on your list.  Use as a gift.

Your Attic
If you've picked up clearance or FAR items throughout the year, search your "gift" bin for items suitable for your family and friends.