Saving cash during this time of spending.

Posted on December 15 2009

People are always looking to find ways to save some cash during this time of year when it seems that everyone is spending. Here are a few tips:

1. Christmas lights – Christmas lights cost us a lot more than we think on our electricity bill. Consider switching to LED lights. LED bulbs last a lot longer and use anywhere from 1/3rd to 1/30th the electricity of a standard incandescent light bulb. The will cost more up front, but the savings in the end is well worth it. 
2. Shopping – Do you love shopping online to get those great deals only to be hit with large shipping costs? Look at buying items from stores that offer free shipping to the store for you to pick up. This also is great for returns in case you order something and decide not to keep it. 
3. Wrapping – (This also helps the environment) – During this time of wrapping gifts, consider reusing ribbon and gift bags. This will save you some cash and will lessen the trash load this Christmas season which the environment is grateful for. 
4. Food – Plan out your meals and plan to use leftovers. For example, if you are planning to make a ham, get it a little bit bigger and use the leftover meat for sandwiches at the next meal or cut it up into a breakfast egg dish. This will save you some time in the kitchen, allow you to spend more time enjoying family and friends, and also save you money.