Rather than buying a Christmas gift for your cousin, a gift for her husband and a gift for each of their three children, why not give one Christmas gift to the five of them that they can enjoy as a family? You’ll be amazed how much money you can save this Christmas season by giving one family gift rather than several individual gifts. Christmas can be cheap with these gift ideas.

Let your friends and family know that you’ve decided to create special gifts for families this year, so that you don’t have to worry about anyone feeling awkward when it comes time to exchange gifts. Hopefully they’ll like the idea and jump on the bandwagon.

Here are some cheap Christmas ideas for for families:

* A gift card to Blockbuster or your local video store. Pair the passes with some microwave popcorn or candy. The entire family will appreciate the idea of a movie night together.

* A book of passes to the movie theater. How about throwing in a homemade coupon good for a night of babysitting so Mom and Dad can enjoy a show without the kids one night?

* Board games make great gifts for families. Choose a few to cater to different family member’s ability level. Don’t forget classic card games like Uno and Old Maid.

* A gift certificate to a nice, family friendly restaurant. Mom and Dad will appreciate the opportunity to get out of cooking for an evening and doing dishes.

* A donation in their family’s name to a charity that’s important to them. Most organizations have cards that can be mailed for contributions made as gifts. Did a hospice help them in their time of need? If so, the donation on their behalf will be appreciated more than another Christmas gift to clutter up their home.

Think of the people on your Christmas shopping list. Imagine how much you can reduce your holiday budget by buying a gift for a family rather than separate gifts for everyone. Christmas can be cheap!

Giving family Christmas gifts is a super effective way to cut back on holiday spending and can often be more personal than your run of the mill gift. Here’s to making your holiday cheaper and more fun!

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• I use to buy lemon sented garbage disposal packets to get rid of the bad smell left over from the food that is thrown down, but I found out that using some baking soda and citrus peel makes the bad odor go away and cleans the food out of the grinder.
• To clean the outside door I use spray on white vinegar and wipe off with a clean cloth  it leaves a bright shine.
• My microwave is  so dirty each week, I  put four tablespoons of lemon juice in one cup water and let turn on the microwavel for five minutes. The steam and lemon will deordorize and it makes it easy to wipe anything that was splattered clean.
• I Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of my trash bag to prevent odors. It will also help absorb any spills.
• This is my favorite, a friend told me about this one, I never heard of this one before, to dust your television, use a dryer sheet.  The static guard in the sheet will keep dust from re-settling.
• I love making cookies with my kids.  If cookie dough sticks to the counter,try adding some sugar to the stuck dough and rub gently. The dough and sugar will come right up. My oldest daughter loves this task.
• If a glass item breaks and tiny pieces are lying all over the floor, it’s safest to pick them up with a handful of wet cotton.  With 4 kids we break a lot of dishes…This is more effective than just sweeping up the mess.

It is well known that most people spend far too much during Christmas, but with a little imagination and budgeting you can still enjoy Christmas on a budget. Here are 10 top Christmas money saving tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without the worry of being hit with a huge credit card bill in January.

1) If children are demanding the latest expensive ‘must have’ gift and you can’t afford it, you should start to manage their expectations well in advance. This will let them know what is possible and prompt them to make more realistic Christmas lists.

2) If money is tight you can have an agreement that only the children receive gifts. Sort the kids you want to buy something for into groups, such as siblings, or nieces and nephews, and decide a budget for each category.

3) Set your budget for presents and leave your credit card at home, draw your cash and deal in cash only for each shopping trip. Let’s face it if you don’t have the money with you, you can’t spend it.

4) When on a tight budget, there is no need for buying wrapping paper that will be ripped and thrown away at first instance. You can buy a dozen sheets of colourful tissue paper instead which is easier to dispose of and much better for the environment. Also don’t buy gift tags but instead recycle old Christmas cards by cutting around the main image, punching a hole and adding some ribbon.

5) Christmas cards can be quite costly to buy and post especially with loved ones abroad. Instead you can send free internet cards through various sites on the internet.

6) Instead of just thinking Christmas money saving you could instead spread the cost by arranging for a special treat in the New Year. Good examples include going for a meal to a fancy restaurant, making a trip or evening at the theatre. You can wrap a memento of the proposed teat and give it as the present to retain the excitement during Christmas.

7) Home-made treats are another way to save money and fill stomachs. Making jam, cooking special cakes, shortbread biscuits or just gingerbread men you will be showing off your culinary skills and creating a point for discussion.

Make sure you check out Christmas money saving deals on the internet. The internet has revolutionised shopping making it easier to compare prices and is frequently cheaper than buying on the High Street.

9) You can shop for good-as-new items in car boot sales, charity shops and local papers but you will find a greater selection on the internet. Look for specific items at sites like Amazon and auction sites like e-bay for nearly new unwanted gifts. If you are selective about the quality, the goods can be as good as new.

10) Make use of discount vouchers and money off coupons available from dedicated websites, newspaper and magazine adverts, leaflets or flyers. One of the best ways for Christmas money saving online is discount voucher codes sites which entitle online shoppers to money off, or some other incentive such as free delivery and it all helps to stretch the budget further.

Robin Lancaster is a UK based freelance writer on money saving ideas and online shopping.

Are you looking for a creative way to save money? You should be.

It is 2009 the economy is a mess, supposedly getting better…tell that to the unemployed. No one can afford to waste money, at least not now. Here are some tips that our family has used for many years. We are retired and saving money is extra important to those of us on a fixed income.

1) Study your newspaper…make sure this becomes a ritual, especially on the day, usually Wednesday or Thursday, where the grocers try to lure you in with their ads on what will be specially priced for the next week.

2) Make a list of sale items that you can and will need in the future…then buy those items in bulk. It is a crime to run to the store because you are out of toothpaste, shaving cream, paper goods…any item that you use everyday should be stockpiled when a good price turns up…If you study the paper you will know what a good price is.

3) Use coupons and shopper cards…If you do not have a shopper’s card at your favorite store, get one, they are free from customer service. If you do not use coupons, it is the same as burning money. Furthermore, shop on double or triple coupon days. Shop only one day a week; plan your stops to save gas.

4) Goodwill, is that a word in a Christmas carol to you or where you should be shopping for clothes? In addition, no, your child will not suffer irreparable harm if his or her clothes were purchased there.

5) Question every expense…We cut down from two cell phones to one, this will save us $200 a year. Magazine subscriptions are a waste if you have a library nearby. Can you cut back to one car? Question all your expenses…that means you need to know where your money is going. Keep a log of all expenses, that means all, for a month. You cannot identify savings unless you know where all your money is going.

Hope you have found a creative way to save money. Enjoy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Pierce

• Use throws: Use cozy throws for table toppers, or drape them on chair or sofa arms.
• *Light your fireplace: Nothing’s more beautiful or soothing on a crisp, cool day or evening than the orange glow of a fire. Be sure to place some cookies and tea or cider on a nearby table for visitors to snack on. It adds to the overall visual effect.
• *Use candles: Place a few autumn leaves on a surface and then start piling on a grouping of a few candles in staggering heights. (Make sure that you’re not piling so many on that you cause a fire hazard!) Toss a few nuts (in the shell), cranberries, and/or some moss at the base of the candles, and you’re set. Even better, use battery-operated candles for worry-free ambiance.
• Reuse uncut Halloween pumpkins: If you used an assortment of pumpkins for Halloween decorations, and they remained uncut, reuse them in a fall arrangement. You can also place these in a simple grouping of three or more for an impact of color in your décor, or stack them vertically (on top of each other on a sturdy garden urn) for an instant pumpkin topiary.Core apples and mini pumpkins for impromptu candleholders: Carve out the centers of each and place taper, votive, or tealight candles in each one. If you’re worried about tipping, place each apple or pumpkin in a martini glass, or wedge them into the cups of an old muffin tin and cover the exposed tin areas with moss and small red berries.
• *Add a table runner to a dining or sofa table: Purchase or make one in velvet or soft, scrumptious chenille in autumnal colors such as dark gold or aubergine. This tiny splash of color adds a big punch to your décor.
• *Arrange a few bare branches in a pot or urn: Place them in a corner or on top of a dining table for a dramatic statement. If you have a chandelier, weave the branches in between the arms to reach toward the ceiling. The light will cast shadows and highlight the branches beautifully on a cool Thanksgiving evening.
• *Gather birch logs, twigs, and pine cones in large baskets: Set them by the fireplace. Not only are they great for stoking the fire, but they also add a casual touch of nature in a beautiful way. Scent them by adding a few drops of cinnamon or vanilla oil for an added bonus!
• *Add small touches in neutral colors: Filling a tall clear glass vase with acorns, pecans, and other assorted nuts in shells adds an autumnal touch that really makes a big statement in smaller spaces.
• Enlist the kids for these decorating tasks:Gather autumn leaves: Shove a rake in the hand of every willing and able body to gather autumn leaves for decorating. Freshly fallen leaves are perfect ¯ flaws and all ¯ for spreading out on a table around candles and centerpieces or stringing one on top of the other for a stacked leaf garland.Create centerpieces: Kids will love creating individual centerpieces. This project is quick and easy to do ¯ perfect for placing on small tables and keeping little hands busy. Gather an assortment of mini pumpkins, gourds, nuts, batter-operated candles, and baskets or plates for each child. Place a large pillar candle in the middle of the basket or plate and then let each child start placing the items around the base of the candles until he or she gets the desired look.

Everyone must make that extra effort to stay within their budget. Some of the things that might help you are:

• Plan the menu for the month.
• Then go through your coupons and see how you can apply them and put them in an envelope for production when you shop.
• Check the local grocery shopping options and who is having sales and make use of them.
• If they offer a membership which entitles you to a discount, then take it.
• When sales are available, buy more and stock them for the next month.
• Shop only once a month.
• Write out a list of your requirements. More often than not, you can use the same list with a few variations.
• Buy the store brand wherever possible unless well known brands are on sale for the same price or even less. There is no reason to pay for the advertising of well known products when you can buy the same thing with an unknown brand.
• Watch the cashier when she is entering the items as you may able to catch an error while being billed.
• Check the markdown area for items that are sold for next to nothing. You will be able to buy the meats also at a lesser price if it is marked down.
• Select items which are needs versus wants.

If you would like a free budget worksheet please email me, I can send you one via email.  Its one that I believe is better than any one out there.  Ours if completely free too.  So if you would like one please email me.

Tips for Sticking to a Family Budget

You have a family budget in place. Now the hard part begins—sticking to your family budget. With the demands of all the wants and needs of kids, it can be challenging to keep a close eye on your money matters. Here are some simple tips to save money and help you stick to your family budget:

* No satellite – On average, the least expensive satellite package can run anywhere from $35-$40 per month. Multiply that times twelve months and you end up with a whopping $420-$480 per year! Do away with this single bill and your family can save almost $500 every year. Now that’s an incentive!

* Limited video rentals – Many families choose to rent movies for a family night instead of going to the movies. While rentals are a huge money saver, it can still get expensive if you go overboard. Limit your rentals to two every two weeks, for example.

* Return videos early – Another cost that adds up quickly is overdue rental fees. For the cost of a few past due days on one movie, you could purchase that movie and watch it forever if you wanted to. Write yourself a note so you won’t forget to return your movie rentals on time. Even better, try using an online video rental service like Netflix. You’ll pay the same each month, pay no late fees, and get new movies every time you return one.

* Plan meals before shopping – Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. You will want to buy everything you see on the shelves. You may think it’s silly, but you will be amazed at the results if you try it.

* Buy off-brand products – Most off-brand products taste much the same as their counterparts. There are a few, like mayonnaise for example, that taste slightly different. For the most part, if you are trying to stick to a budget, buying off-brand products can save you a lot of money. And don’t forget to clip and use coupons, too!

* Bring your lunch to work – Once again, let’s do the figures. If you spend a minimum of $5.00 per day on lunch (that’s a cheap lunch!), at the end of the week, you’ve racked up $25.00. With gas prices on the rise every day, that extra $25.00 could come in handy if you drive to work, too. Instead of eating out, fix your lunch to bring with you.

* Drink water – Sodas are easy to grab and run with, but water is much healthier for you. Instead of spending money on canned drinks, buy a family-size pack of bottled water. You’ll save money and drink healthier.

• Small filled baskets make nice gifts. These can include a loaf of homemade bread in a basket, holiday kitchen accessories or other small items. The basket is included as part of the gift along with anything in it. Tie a colorful fall bow to the handle.

• Thanksgiving themed decorations make lovely gifts. A few ideas include Thanksgiving figurines, a Thanksgiving themed kitchen towel and oven mitt, pilgrim salt and pepper shakers, silk plant or cornucopia.

• Candles are almost always the perfect gift. They add a welcoming elegant touch to the home of the hostess. Candles in orange, brown, tan and other warm fall colors are especially good. Scents in pumpkin, spice and cinnamon are good choices.

• Specialty teas or food make a nice gift. Put a small package of imported cookies and individual free trade coffee or a few tea bags in a mug. Wrap everything in clear cellophane and add an orange bow. Alternatively, put a box of cookies together with the coffee or tea. Wrap in cellophane or use a cello bag. Tie with ribbon.

• For the hostess who enjoys reading there is no better gift than a book. Choose a book of poetry, an inexpensive inspirational book about Thanksgiving, a book of quotes or a small book about something the hostess is passionate about.

• A small candy dish or trinket box that can be used all year is often appreciated. Select a crystal box or glossy ceramic box.

• What’s better for storing memories than a photo album or frame? These are inexpensive but thoughtful. They can be picked up almost anywhere and are sure to be appreciated by any hostess.

Understanding drug store deals can be complicated at first. Each store has their own sets of rules, coupons, and rebate systems. Walgreens and CVS use an instant rewards system, whereas Rite Aid uses the mail in rebate system.

Walgreens drug store deals often include Register Rewards. Register Rewards or RR’s are Walgreen’s form of an instant rebate. The Register Rewards are often used in conjunction with store sales. Many times items are free after the Register Rewards or can be free with the combination of coupons and Register Rewards. The down side to Register Rewards is that they generally cannot be used on the same product. For example, if you buy product xyz and get a $5 Register Reward, you cannot use the Register Reward to buy xyz again or you will not receive another $5 Register Reward. Register Rewards expire two weeks from the time they are printed.

Walgreens also allows customers to use a Walgreens coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item. Walgreens coupons are most often found in their monthly coupon book or in the weekly sales ad. These are called instant value coupons. The Walgreens cash register does limit customers to one coupon per item. This means if you are using a total of 10 coupons including Register Rewards, that you must buy 10 items.

CVS drug store deals include Extra Care Bucks or ECB’s. Extra Care Bucks are printed right on the cash register receipt after purchasing eligible products when using your Extra Care Card. Most items that produce Extra Care Bucks are limited to one item per card. Extra Care Bucks are used just like cash to purchase other items. They expire one month after they are printed.

CVS customers can use CVS coupons and manufacturer coupons on the same item. CVS coupons can be found in their monthly coupon book or occasionally in the weekly sales ad. CVS does not limit the number o coupons you can use. For example, if you are buying 5 items, you can use 5 manufacturer coupons, 5 CVS coupons, and Extra Care Bucks on your order.

Rite Aid drug store deals include the Single Check Rebate. Customers submit their receipt information either online or by mail to receive their rebates on eligible products. Rebate checks are then requested at the end of the month and come through US mail, generally by the middle of the following month. Most items eligible for the Single Check Rebate are limited to one per customer or rebate.

Rite Aid allows customers to combine Rite Aid coupons with manufacturer coupons on items. Rite Aid coupons can be found in their weekly flyer, on the Rite Aid website, or occasionally they put out a special coupon booklet. Rite Aid does not limit the number of coupons customers can use. If you are buy 10 items, you can use 10 manufacturer coupons and 10 Rite Aid coupons on your order.

All the drug store listed above occasionally offer coupons that are off of a certain amount spent. The most common for all three stores is the $5/$25. Walgreens requires that their coupon is use after all other store or manufacturer coupons. Rite Aid and CVS both allow their coupons to be used before any store or manufacturer coupons.

Budget. Say it loud enough and it’s a word that makes even the toughest people cringe, if only just a little. The common misconception is that budgeting is hard, time consuming, and super-restrictive. The good news is that none of those things are actually true — budgeting is as hard as you make it. Fortunately, in the technology age, there are plenty of tools and tips out there to make budgeting pleasant and maybe even a little fun. There are five steps to building a budget the right way from the ground up, as building a budget the wrong way or too quickly can cause you to fall out of it very quickly.

Many people start budgets the way they start New Year’s Resolutions: in great haste, with a hazy goal at the end of it but nothing specific enough to take action upon. They start out excited but as challenges creep in, they get discouraged, distracted, and downright disillusioned with achieving their goal. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Tip #1: Start With Your Mindset about Money

You should begin thinking about your budget from the top down — a budget is all about the state of mind you’re in, as well as how you feel about money. What are your feelings about money? Do you believe that money is plentiful, or that there’s never enough to go around? If you think that there’s never enough money, then it will be difficult for you to develop a savings-oriented mindset. If money is scarce to you, then you will always find it difficult to hold on to money. On the other hand, if your mentality is that money has no value, you can lose it quickly by making impulsive decisions.

Tip #2: Set Realistic Goals for Your Money

Your money has more destinations than just your wallet, but the truth is that having a strong set of goals for your money helps you make better decisions. It becomes easier to pass up impulsive buys when you know what you ultimately want your money to do for you. A goal doesn’t have to be anything serious, though serious goals are important as well. A goal can be a new wardrobe, a new car, a better apartment, getting your teeth whitened, or even buying a flashy new cell phone. The sky really is the limit when it comes to building goals, but it’s important to make them realistic.

Realistic goals differ from their unrealistic counterparts in one major way: achievability. It’s a nice goal to have to be a millionaire tomorrow, but most people cannot become millionaires overnight. Same with purchasing a home — it is difficult to purchase a home without a down payment. A more realistic goal is to retire a millionaire by saving over time, or buying a home in 5 years by saving a certain amount per month.

Tip #3: Find Out All ‘Money Leaks’

Most people are concerned about where their money goes, with good reason: there never seems to be enough of it! The paycheck comes in, but it never really looks like you could have spent all of the money so quickly. These days, people tend to carry debit and credit cards more than cash. To figure out where your money is going, go back and look at your bank’s statement or credit card bill. The biggest expense that seems to accumulate very quickly is food — not just the necessities, but lunches and dinners out with friends and loved ones. This makes it easy to curb back expenses a bit by eating in. However, food is not the only expense. Look through old magazine subscriptions, newspaper subscriptions, extras on your cable or phone bill, and online purchases. It’s easy to spend a small fortune on eBay under the illusion that you’re getting a deal out of it.

Tip #4: Find Out All Sources of Income

Having multiple streams of income makes it easy to reach your goals faster — even if the secondary streams of income aren’t enough to replace your primary source of income, they provide a comfortable cushion against emergencies. You don’t have to be a Harvard MBA to create a secondary source of income — think about what you love doing. If you’re into arts and crafts, there are plenty of sites online to sell your homemade items. If you can create music or write, there are sites to sell music and unique content. There’s plenty of ways to make extra money, and providing a service in your spare time is a great way to bring in a little extra money.

If you’re not ready to take the leap into building a second stream of income, perhaps you can look to see what can be done with your primary stream of income. If you’re working for someone else, you may be able to ask for a raise based on your performance with the company. Be prepared to present a strong case for a raise and/or promotion, such as the direct value your contributions bring to the company.