Last year, I undertook a challenge to save all year for Christmas. I didn’t know if I could do it, but I found out that I could. I also discovered that my Christmas shopping was much simpler knowing the money was already set aside.
Now that I’ve learned that, I’m starting a new challenge this year. Here are the diameters of my Christmas Savings Challenge.
First, and most importantly, save all year. This is an ongoing challenge where every dollar over every month adds up.
Second, set a reasonable goal for my Christmas savings. Last year, I aimed to save $300. I’m going to use this as my minimum but of course, saving more is always acceptable and encouraged.
Third, use various sources to save and earn. This is where I’m most excited to branch out on the various online earning opportunities. Here’s where I will be saving and earning this year.
Swagbucks - A great online search engine
Bing - Another online search engine
Pincone – My favorite survey company (Only available by invitation)
Opinion Outpost – My other favorite survey company
Various – I’m always open to other opportunities as they arise!
To find up more about any of these programs, or sign up for yourself, you can click on any of the above links to register.
Finally, earmark savings so they are not spent before Christmas shopping. I do a lot of shopping through Amazon now so I will be cashing out many of my rewards in Amazon certificates as well as my Paypal account.
Before I share how I did this month, I want to invite you to join me. Set a goal and check it with your progress. I’d love to share this with you! If you have a website, you’re welcome to use this button and post monthly updates with me. Frugality is much easier when we encourage one another.
Now, onto my January totals. I started off this year with some impressive numbers, because I didn’t cash anything out in my busy December.
Swabucks – $10
Bing – $20
Pinecone – $6
Opinion Outpost – $0
Total – $36
It’s one month in and I’ve already saved more than 10 percent of my goal. The great thing is that all of this money is in addition to other savings. It allows me to save as regular with our paychecks because this is extra income. What an exciting start to my challenge!
Now, I want to know. Will you join me with my Christmas Savings Challenge? I really hope you will.
You are off to a good start! Isn’t it a great feeling at Christmas to be prepared? I would also like to mention that now is the time to peruse the sale racks for rock bottom prices on winter items for Christmas next year. I just bought three pair of ladies’ Isotoner gloves that were marked down from $28 to $6. I also bought three pair of children’s Lands End pajamas that were 70% off. I also found two men’s $60 sweaters marked down to $11. I hope to do one more go-around and see if I can fill in some more spaces on my master gift list!
Great pointer! I shop year around so am always look for gifts. It’s a great frugal option. It sounds like you’ve found some great bargains already! What a great deal on Isotoner gloves, especially as these are my favorite winter gloves.