How To Survive The Holidays On Limited Funds

It seems this year the retailers have embarked on a particularly aggressive campaign to extract every last dime of disposable income in circulation. Price slashing, extended store hours, in-store credit and payment plans are being offered as an incentives to get you to scoop up merchandise, most of which was likely not even made in the USA.

For many people, however, this year's holiday season will be very much like last year's: bleak and depressing. With limited funds, you are essentially disenfranchised from the annual holiday spend-a-thon but not so if you live "green 4 less."

I would like to share some money-saving ideas so you may have an enjoyable holiday season without spending yourself into oblivion or getting caught up in a feeding frenzy of consumerism.

To mail out a holiday greeting card costs an average of $3. Multiply that by 15 and the total cost is $45. 

Too much, you say? I agree. Why spend the money if you don’t have to.

My motto is live green 4 less and save. Send your family and friends an e-card instead. It’s simple and free and there are an assortment of e-cards for most all occasions:

http://www.123greetings.com/

http://www.bluemountain.com/

Moving onto the subject of gift giving, there are a number of options available depending on your budget. Goodwill stores are a treasure trove of bargains, many of which are brand new and still in the original boxes and with designer or brand names attached.

For Goodwill’s store locations and hours, go to http://www.amazinggoodwill.com/

Other ideas for gift giving and frugal holiday living can be found at these Web sites:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/

http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalliving.htm

If you have culinary skills, share them with others. Nothing beats homemade strudel or cookies, and a gift of food is a practical one that most people welcome. Infused vinegars and oils are also popular, and recipes and instructions are easy to find online.

It is important you know what you are doing and how to safely prepare and handle infused vinegars and oils before embarking on this kitchen project:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/infusedmixes

Other ideas for holiday gift giving include homemade gift certificates redeemable for housecleaning, child care, vehicle detailing, housesitting, pet care and many other services. This Web site has unique ideas and templates on display:

http://www.homemadegiftguru.com/make-gift-certificates.html

Whether you are on a strict budget and have limited funds, or if you are just plain sick and tired of the commercialism of the holiday season, you can live green 4 less and save. After all, it is the thought that counts and not how much you spend.