The holidays are just around the corner, which is something that may be sending you into a panic. If Christmas is getting too close and money seems to be in short supply at a time that you need it most, don’t give up on your dream of having a happy holiday just yet. There’s still time and these tips can help you have a greener Christmas.
Pick Up Additional Work
While picking up part-time work during the holidays is nothing new, there are many more options available today. Online and remote work is becoming more available in a variety of fields and this provides an opportunity to choose your own hours, work from home, and make the extra money you need. If it works out well, you might even consider keeping your freelance job as a permanent source of additional income.
Consider a Cash Advance
Depending on your pay schedule, you may not be expecting another pay period in time to buy holiday gifts. If this has left you wondering how to pay for Christmas when money is tight, consider borrowing the money you need. There are many cash loans you can find online that can give you a temporary income boost in time to buy gifts for your loved ones.
Most lenders only require proof of income and a valid ID to qualify for a loan of a few hundred dollars. If you need a larger loan, you may have to put up collateral, such as taking a car title loan. In either case, make sure to understand the terms, including how much interest you’ll be expected to pay on the loan.
Amend Your Grocery Needs
One surefire way to save a little extra is to change your family’s eating habits. For instance, if you dine out a few times a week, eliminating that habit can save you a considerable amount of money even in a short time frame. You should also try switching to generic products and making use of coupons. Fresh produce often costs less than canned and packaged foods, so doubling up on fruits and veggies will help you cut costs and eat healthier.
Skip the Lattes
Take the change you would normally spend on that latte and deposit it into your savings account. Instead of stopping at the corner cafe for your special blend, make your coffee at home, where it will be considerably cheaper. In fact, round off all of your purchases and put the extra change into the account. You’ll be surprised by how quickly a little change here and there will add up.
Start Planning for Next Year
Okay, you were caught with your pants down this year. That’s understandable, but make sure you learn from your mistakes. Consider using these tips to make more permanent changes to your lifestyle, so you can be prepared for next year. Saving all year round on bills and other expenses will give you the money you’ll need to make the holidays extra special, while also providing a means of building up large savings. The extra money you save will add up quickly and you may even find that it gives you enough to invest and build a better future for your family.
While the holidays are near, it’s never too late to start preparing for them. Saving a little now can make a big impact on the holiday you can enjoy with your family. You may even discover new ways of generating income and saving for the future, which will improve your life all year round.
These are great tips, I do contesting so I can gift at Christmas time, but since I haven’t been winning this year I have to depend on my change that has been saved all year, plus everytime I use my debit card I have so much come off and go into a savings account which helps at the end of the year as well
Great ideas. Special coffees really are a lot of money. We try to save up every year for Christmas too.
I do contesting and surveys throughout the year for items and cash/ gift cards that make great presents. But also when I was a broke, young mom I found making gifts a viable practice. Baked goods, designing costume jewelry and hand crafts all were appreciated gifts.
Setting aside a little bit of money each pay and then sticking to my budget are HUGE helps!
Great tips! Christmas shouldn’t bankrupt you.
I’m surprised at the “Fresh produce often costs less than canned and packaged foods”. I find that depends strongly on the food. Currently a 227 gram package of mushrooms costs $2.99 or a 300 gram can of mushrooms costs .99c. And fresh fruit is almost always more expensive than any frozen stuff.
It’s crazy how much money we saved when we stopped going to Tim Hortons or Starbucks every day. You don’t realize how much you’re spending!
Good tips. I also use loyalty points that I’ve accumulated during the year, to cut down on the cost of Christmas buying. When money is tight, I’ve also just bought less for Christmas – and we still had a wonderful Christmas!