Blogging for a Better Holiday

By Asish George of Money Tips for Life

With the holidays just around the corner, most of us are busy working our way down the shopping lists. We go to such great lengths to see a smile on the face of our loved ones that many times we look past the sufferings of others. This holiday season let us try to bring cheer into the life of someone who needs it the most, with the gift of giving.

Read More

By Phil of PTMoney 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The time when hearts are glowing, there’s much mistletoe-ing and everyone’s telling you to be of good cheer. If the lyrics of the carol are correct, you’ve got a lot of parties to host, marshmallows to roast, and gay happy meetings to attend (whatever those are). 

The holidays can be overwhelming to those of us who are struggling financially. And more often than not, this season, above all others, is not the time that you want to admit to others that your funds are running low. 

So before you go grabbing a credit card and racking up more debt, here are a few ideas for creating holiday cheer on a smart budget:

Read More

By Paul of The Frugal Toad

Make a List and Check it Twice

One of the easiest ways to limit the chances of going in debt is to plan your purchases.

Did you know that 80% of impulse purchases are made because consumers perceive value when the item is on sale. Why do you think retailers have sales around the holidays? Because research tells them that you are more likely to spend more when the item has a big red sign that shows how much money you will save if you make the purchase. I always have to chuckle to myself when the grocery store cashier tells me how much money I saved and even circles it on my receipt! In case you were wondering, every time you go to the store and spend money you are NOT saving money. Saving money involves 1) not spending money and 2) moving the money to a savings account or investment with the intent not to spend it. Leaving the money in your checking account only to spend it later does not count as saving money as retailers would have you think.

Read More

By Jesse Mecham of You Need a Budget

At this time of year, a tremendous amount of focus is placed on giving things. I want you to focus more on yourself.

What makes you unique? What makes you extraordinary? What talents do you possess? What skills have you acquired? What knowledge have you unearthed? And how can you give that gift to others?

Ten years ago I began studying accounting, obtained my Master’s of Accountancy (yes, it’s as boring as it sounds), and became a bona fide Certified Public Accountant (also as boring as it sounds).  My goal was to climb the corporate ladder, make over $250,000 per year (well, maybe $249,900 for tax purposes), and live the dream.

Ten months into my accounting career, I knew that it was not for me. And there are some of you reading this having the same thought as you go to work every day: “This isn’t ME.”

Read More

By Miranda Marquit of Planting Money Seeds

During this time of year, it’s natural to want to help others, especially our friends and family. However, sometimes it’s difficult to help others when you don’t have the money to give, or if you are concerned about giving cash.

If you want to help someone else, and be sure that what you give truly does help, here are some ways to do it, without handing over cash:

1. Provide a Place to Stay

In some cases, your loved ones might need a place to stay. Whether a natural disaster has left them homeless for the holidays, or whether a job loss has made it difficult to secure housing, you can let your loved ones stay with you. We have let relatives stay with use for time periods ranging from a week to two months.

Read More

By Jenny of The Jenny Pincher

Every year when the holiday season rolls around, many of us think about giving to other people. We spend nearly three months out of the year being told we should be buying gifts for other people. But what about the other 9 months of the year? Many people never consider we should be giving to ourselves year round. And by giving I mean giving in the form of building our savings and retirement accounts to prepare for our future. Why should you be doing this? I’m glad you asked! For starters:

Read More

By Maria LaMagna of Money Under 30

More than presents, decorating, carols or any other festivity, my favorite part of the holiday season has always been gathering with family and friends over delicious food. Some of my best childhood memories are tied to sweet potato casserole, strawberry rhubarb pie, my grandma’s baked beans or my mom’s special spaghetti sauce.

Although as a child these foods seemed to magically appear on the table, as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized that is not the case. My wallet has realized it, too — even though making food at home is often less expensive than eating at a restaurant, it can make a sizeable dent in the budget.

We shouldn’t feel guilty for spending quality time with friends and family over a nice meal. Fortunately, there are ways to make a dinner party less financially painful. Keep all of the joy, and keep some extra cash, too, by trying a few of these tips.

Read More

By Eric of Narrow Bridge Finance

This is an expensive time of year. As we pass Black Friday and enter the holiday season, people are out there buying while credit card bills are soaring. This holiday, try some of these tips to save money on holiday spending like a finance professional.

Limit Your Gift List

It is easy to give gifts to everyone, but I suggest limiting your gift list to people who really deserve something. No co-workers, very few friends, and only close family make it onto my list.

Read More

By DR of Dough Roller

With the holidays approaching, it seems we’re all in a mad dash to our favorite retailers.  Between figuring out what to buy for those on our list, to buying the gifts, and then wrapping them, there’s no time to enjoy the holidays.  And on top of that, how many gifts will we buy that end up at the bottom of some closet, only to be found when we appear on an episode of Hoarders?

Instead of maxing out our credit cards this holiday season, why not give a different kind of gift.  I have in mind the gift of financial advice.  And here are 5 ways to give it that your friends and family just may enjoy.

Read More