American Express @ShopSmall Holiday Shopping Challenge [CLOSED Giveaway]

Screen-shot-2011-11-22-at-7.55.54-AMI am a planner. A serious planner. To be honest, I have several gifts already purchased for Christmas. When I see a fabulous deal on an item I know someone on my list is going to want (or will appreciate) then I grab it. With four children and an extended family I am no where near done, though.

American Express has asked me to participate in their Holiday Shopping Challenge. My challenge… I have 40,000 membership rewards points to purchase the perfect holiday gift for 5 of my loved ones. This is going to take some serious planning and strategy, but I think I can do it.

After resting up from Black Friday, I will definitely be participating in Small Business Saturday. Have you heard of this?

American Express is encouraging us all to buy local by purchasing from a local small business on November 26th. They are even going to reward you with a $25 statement credit for participating! How? It’s easy… register an eligible American Express Card and use that card for your purchase of $25 or more at a small business on November 26th.

Take the pledge and be rewarded for shopping local this Saturday!

Do YOU have a budget this year? How do you plan to stick to it?

Here are a few ways I’m shopping smart this holiday season:

  1. I’m shopping clearance, sales and even thrift stores (yes, thrift stores… they have fabulous items that can be re-purposed for their original intent or something new!).
  2. ALWAYS bring coupons when available (remember electronic coupons, too… places like Target send them weekly).
  3. Take advantage of promotions like B1G1.
  4. Research and plan online. Comparison shopping is super simple this way with places like PriceGrabber.com and Nextag.com.
  5. Outlet Malls can save some serious money… but beware! Some prices are not steals!
  6. Cash in reward points on credit cards for holiday purchases.
  7. Group savings sites like Groupon

These are just a dip in the bucket as I am always scheming new ways to save money!

WIN IT!

One lucky OurKidsMom reader is going to win a $250 gift certificate of their choice from American Express!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I am working with OPR for American Express and I will be receiving an American Express gift card and Membership Rewards points to shop with.  I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine. The sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment and will be shipping the winner(s) their prize(s). For more information read my disclosure policy.

Comments

  1. Michelle Washburn says

    I plan on staying within my budget by not going over the dollar amount I have set for each person on my list.

  2. Michelle Washburn says
  3. amy hollingsworth says

    I will stay within my list by entering giveaways and finding the best deals possible plus: I wrap my presents with comics from Sunday papers

  4. Claire says

    I plan to make a list of what I need

  5. Michelle Washburn says

    Added my budget tip to their Facebook wall taken from your link, I tagged @ourkidsmom in my post. My Facebook name is michelle.washburn2

  6. amy hollingsworth says

    I was not able to actually post on the Facebook walls o I left my comment on a post….

    https://www.facebook.com/americanexpress

    this post Small Business Saturday is less than a week away! Where will you shop small? posted Monday at 9:15 am

  7. Amber says

    I plan to stay within my holiday budget by putting more emphasis on spending time with family and DOING things together as opposed to GIVING things!

  8. Amber says
  9. I’ll plan to stay within a holiday budget by shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and price matching. I always watch the papers so I know when it’s actually a good sale. I’ll also check online for coupons, and of course give-a-ways!

    Thanks

  10. Amber says

    I shared my tip on this Facebook wall post, my FB name is Amanda Moore:
    https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday/posts/307533415931255

  11. I tweeted it!

    @Kendallsmom22

  12. Katy P says

    I have been buying things on clearance or sale all year- and using my survey money to get gifts on Amazon.

  13. Katy P says
  14. I plan to stay in my budget by checking out sales and coupons on the web.

  15. Jamie says

    The key is writing a list and sticking to it!

  16. Jaclyn Reynolds says

    I’m sticking to my budget best I can by shopping online, especially on ebay, and sticking to no impulse buying.

  17. Michael Brennan says

    Plan to stay witin the budget by making a list and sticking to it

  18. Michael Brennan says
  19. Rochel S says

    I Plan to stay within a budget by only buying things I really need and by buying things on sale!!

  20. Gina H. says

    I make a list & set a price limit for each person.

  21. Gina H. says
  22. Lauren says

    I plan on staying within our budget by entering giveaways,getting deals on Amazon,and making a list.Tahnks for this awesome giveaway!!

  23. susie lee wiener says

    I plan to stay within my holiday shopping budget by buying gifts for under $50.

    swiener1[at]tampabay.rr.com

  24. Lauren says
  25. susie lee wiener says

    tweeted your super giveaway using your retweet button.

    swiener1[at]tampabay.rr.com

  26. susie lee wiener says

    I also couldn’t leave my tip comment on AE fb wall, but I tried. Hope this entry can count. Thx.

    swiener1[at]tampabay.rr.com

  27. Lauren says
  28. Angie M says

    I buy things all throughout the year when they are on sale- so then I dont have to spend a lot on presents just right around christmas time.

  29. Angie M says
  30. I search for the best prices online, I have found some great deals shopping online.
    Kari(at)shining2save(dot)com

  31. Marilyn Wons says

    I only buy what is needed and I find it on sale. I never buy on impulse!

  32. Jessie C. says

    I plan to stick with my shopping list in order to stay within a holiday shopping budget this year

  33. Jessie C. says
  34. Kelly Moore says

    To stay within my budget I make most of the gifts we give as well as shop at consignment stores.

  35. Jacqueline Griffin says

    I will be shopping for bargains on line and I have started looking at the BlackFriday Ad’s. I also right a list of things I buy for my family like a shopping list to help me stay on track when I’m at the stores shopping. Happy Thanksgiving! =)
    jacqgrif@yahoo.com
    Thank You!!

  36. Gina H. says

    Left my tip on the American Express Facebook.

  37. Gina H. says
  38. Jacqueline Griffin says

    I posted on their wall
    jacqgrif@yahoo.com
    Thank You!!

  39. Jacqueline Griffin says
  40. margot says

    SHOP AROUND!! Find the lowest prices online, and use walmart price match. Also we have talked to our children about not expecting everything they asked for, there are too many people who do not get anything.

  41. I promised my hubby I’d stay within budget. He watches like a hawk. UGH

  42. Katherine says

    I am all done within budget except for a pair of boots for my daughter and I am using Kohls Cash for that YEAH!

  43. jessica holybee says

    im shopping black friday this year ….

  44. Katherine says

    I couldn’t figure out how to post on their wall but I did this on mine http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=240471279348672&id=100000722780647

  45. I use only cash and then that way once it’s gone then I’m done shopping

  46. Katherine says
  47. Jessie C. says
  48. Margaret Smith says

    I stay within my budget by shopping sale and clearance items and I pick up items thoughout the year.
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

  49. Margaret Smith says

    I had a problem posting too and posted under the Small Business Saturday postings.
    Thanks

  50. Margaret Smith says

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/peg42/status/139451538589499392
    Thanks
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

  51. Lauren says
  52. catherine thomas says

    I plan on making a list.

  53. Amanda Mclemore says

    We always use my husbands Christmas bonus to do our shopping.

  54. Jessie C. says
  55. I set aside a certain amount of money, and divided it between everybody we have to buy for. I do not plan on going over!

  56. Michele McLaughlin says

    I plan to stay within budget by making sure gifts are practical and sticking to the budget we make.

  57. Amber says

    I try to stay in budget by entering a lot of giveaways!! I won a play kitchen back in March, and my daughter is getting it for Christmas!

  58. Kiara says
  59. Amber says
  60. rob says

    the adults only buy one gift each (grab bag) and there are only 2 kids, so it’s pretty easy. only using cash is another safe bet.

  61. Jessica says

    I tweeted aceracer98

  62. Jessica says

    The link wont let us post anything on the American Express Facebook wall.

  63. Jessica says

    I plan on staying within budget by shopping around and finding the best prices.

  64. tamatha h says

    since I was laid off in June there is no budget so it isnt hard to stick to it, lol

  65. tamatha h says
  66. Joanne Schultz says

    I shop year-round, especially sales and clearance. I’m not necessarily looking for specific stuff, but sometimes items will catch my eye and I just know that it will be perfect for one of my gift recipients!
    I also enter a lot of giveaways with the intent to use the prize as a gift if I am the lucky winner!!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  67. Joanne Schultz says

    Couldn’t write directly on their wall, so I posted under their post – http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday/posts/307658969252033

  68. Joanne Schultz says
  69. lisa says

    we started to plan out a spreadsheet!

  70. lisa says
  71. Kathy S says

    I keep a spreadsheet on what I spend and compare it to what I budgeted.

  72. Patricia Edwards says

    I am having no budget this Christmas because I have had no income of my own since March. I had a massive blood clot in June after resigning from my last job in March due to personal reasons. I could definitely use some extra funds this Christmas since I have no funds for Christmas shopping. My husband has to pay the rent and utilities as well as buy gas and food with his income. Thanks for the Giveaway!

  73. Patricia Edwards says

    Meet your needs before splurging on your wants. Buy one nice gift for each family member.

  74. cw says

    I stay within budget by using the deals out there (cash back sites like ebates, coupon sites like retailmenot.com, etc). The other way is by making lists and sticking to it

  75. SANDY says

    Staying within budget, get realistic of what people actually need and can use

  76. Donna B. says

    I’m going to stick to all cash this year – it’s the easiest way to operate within a budget. Can’t spend what you don’t have!

  77. Ellen B says

    I try to find as many sales as I can

  78. Ellen B says

    couldn’t write directly on their wall but left a comment under a post from 11-23

  79. Donna B. says

    Can’t post on their wall, but I left a comment on this post (I think it’s #923, I left it ~30 seconds ago) http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday/posts/307658969252033

  80. Donna B. says
  81. Ellen B says
  82. Michelle Washburn says
  83. mandy norris says

    I will have to not buy everyone as many gifts as I normally do. unemployed at christmas is hard. (i know its hard all the time but harder at this time of year)

  84. Gina H. says
  85. Matt says

    My secret is to buy gifts when they’re on clearance and not in season.

  86. Donna B. says
  87. Rick P says

    Making a list, researching best deals, no charge cards, and using the $250 from this contest!

  88. Meaghan F. says

    I only ever shop clearance and sales for myself and others. Miss_slytherin[at]live[dot]com

  89. Lien says

    We plan to stay in the budget this year by finding deals on Amazon and using giftcards I earn on Swag Bucks. We love shopping on Amazon because it is tax free. Join deal forum to be aware of great deal online and in store. Basically, buy nothing full price.

  90. Lien says
  91. Shop early and once I am done – I am DONE. Resist the urge to buy last minute items. It will be hard…but I can do it!

  92. Theresa Jenkins says

    just set a buget and stick to it

  93. Theresa Jenkins says
  94. Angela M says

    Handmade gifts!

  95. jose benavides says

    I plan on shopping ahead of time way before black friday so I can have everything ready and I get the specials year round..

  96. I have done a great job keeping my budget low by winning giveaways and shopping around for great deals.

  97. Katherine says
  98. Cynthia C says

    I plan to stick to my budget by making a plan and sticking to it. I’ll do research to find the best prices and try to come in under budget.

  99. Cynthia C says
  100. T. Lawson says

    I plan to make a list of who I need to buy for and how much I can spend on each person and not to exceed that amount but to actually stay under it.

  101. Amanda Starr says

    Honestly I try to win most of my presents but also shop clearance and sales

  102. Amanda Starr says
  103. Swagbucks and Mypoints are my biggest sources of gift cards. Combine that with sales, coupons and ebates and I am on it!

  104. mindi williamson says

    Well that will be easy ,money us tight so, only buy a few gifts.

  105. Becky says

    My tip: Use money you didn’t know you had. Take unused, outgrown, or unwanted items and SELL THEM. Use local sources or sites like Storkbrokers.com to sell make some $$. I read somewhere once that the average household has $1000 worth of sellable items in it. I personally think it’s MORE.

  106. Jeff Legg says

    Decide before you ever go shopping how much you are going to spend on each person. Make a list of the interests of each person, or requests they have made. When you shop stay in that budget, resist the impulse “oh they would love this” unless its with in your list and budget.
    graywolfpack5@yahoo.com

  107. Jeff Legg says

    Left tip comment on their Facebook wall as Jeff-Sue Legg
    graywolfpack5@yahoo.com

  108. Jeff Legg says
  109. Well it will be easy this year because I am broke. LOL I usually make an extensive of list of everyone I have yo buy for and what the price point for each person is. If i already had a gift idea I write it down too. This includes stocking stuffers. That is where I tend to overshop. A $20 limit can easily turn into $40 after stocking stuffers. This year though I am making candy baskets 🙂

  110. My husband and I make a budget every year on how much we are going to spend each year and set that money aside each month. We have been very disciplined in doing this and scraficing our own christmas $ sometimes for those unexpected events. I come from a family of 10 children from 2 marriages (2nd marriage has children ranging in ages from 15-4) and I have 3 children of my own and 3 nephews and 1 niece and parents galore. Needless to say we shop all year long and Black Friday is our national holiday. ANY extra $ would be a blessing. We have been very blessed to continue to have jobs and follow our budget but we also have struggles in the unexpected and would love to get also. We live a debt free life style and that is not easy to do that mean saying NO to most everything. Christmas is one area where we would love to not have to have Santa say no.

  111. Pat says

    I’m staying within my budget by using Swagbucks for Amazon credits.

  112. I create a list and stick with it.

  113. I am staying within my budget by not spending any money. I won our Christmas gifts.

  114. Jane S says

    I know it sounds simple, but I rely on lists. Sometimes those lists have one or two “something extra” slots, but once I am out of slots, I am out of extras!

  115. Rob says

    Thrifty spending this year by using coupons and comparing prices on the web before shopping!

    Thanks!

  116. I cannot post on their wall as my facebook account is not verified by mobile phone or credit card.

  117. Kimberly McCullers says

    I stayed (am staying) in budget by starting my shopping early. This is the first year I have ever done it and it has paid off! I got some amazing deals on gifts since July. It pays to plan ahead!!

  118. Jessie C. says
  119. Kimberly McCullers says

    Posted on AmEx wall

  120. Kimberly McCullers says
  121. Christy says

    I have to stay within budget this year and I’m going to do it by utilizing coupons and investigating the web for deals. I’m also going to do a lot of shopping online with retailers that will gift wrap so I can have everything sent directly to relatives and I won’t have to bother with going to the post office.

  122. Simone says

    I plan on shopping for immediate family only and I intend on giving a lot of gift cards this year.

  123. Lynda E says

    With the economy the way it is, my whole family decided we rather just have a great big dinner than buy gifts, so that makes it easy!

  124. Ellen B says
  125. Denise M says

    I plan to stay within budget by making a list and sticking to it

  126. Gina H. says
  127. I watch for these free but I pay the s&h deals for gifts for the family

  128. Sarah Hirsch says

    i plan to stay on budget but buying on sale/clearance and not giving into impulse buys

  129. Sarah Hirsch says
  130. Jessie C. says
  131. kelly says

    my plan is to comparison shop online!

  132. Kristen says

    I’ll stay in my budget because I’ve been buying things gradually when I saw them on sale.

  133. Chelsea Saulpaugh says

    To stay within my budget, Im trying to win all of my gifts this year lol.

  134. Tina Denarco says

    only buy what i think my kids will can and will use.

  135. D Schmidt says

    I have actually finished my shopping but I did so by writing a list of items needed and once that was complete I stopped frequenting the stores!

  136. D Schmidt says
  137. Chelsea Saulpaugh says

    I couldn’t post on their facebook wall so I posted my answer under this post.
    https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?sk=app_183558821725512#!/SmallBusinessSaturday/posts/307533415931255

  138. Chelsea Saulpaugh says
  139. Fawn H says

    I plan on shopping on Black Friday to get the best deals and buying only what is on my list

  140. Jeff Legg says
  141. Cindy says
  142. Tamara B. says

    Pledge taken and shared on Facebook
    I always have a strict budget with buying only things that are on sale plus I shop throughout the year to get the best savings.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

  143. Tamara B. says

    I posted my tip on the American Express Facebook Wall
    (Tamara Bennington)
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

  144. Lindsay S says

    I plan to stay on budget by making one! I have decided upon a set amount for each person’s gift. I am going to follow sales and deals as well. I hope to come within $5-10 of my projected spending limit for each gift.

  145. Ellen B says
  146. Lindsay S says
  147. Carolyn says

    Make a list! And when you’ve completed it- don’t just pick up one more thing because it is cute or on sale or……. I shop all year round then I am less likely to spend more on a gift if I am running late. Happy holidays everyone.

  148. Shannon Morris says

    I plan to stay in a budget my keeping things simple and not going overboard

  149. Jessie C. says
  150. Tamelyn McNeill says

    Staying in the budget this year made me step up my game and get creative. I have found that it’s much easier to shop for children under 10 than it is the tweens and teenagers. 95% of them have at the top of their list anything in line with social gadgetry … PCs, iPads, iPods, MP3s, Xoom, Kindle Fires, Droids, Xbox360, PS, MW3, and notebooks and tablets, which have nothing to do with pencils and paper. How different this generation is. I tried to recall what I loved for Christmas as a kid growing up in the 60s and 70s. Stilts. Unicycle. Tandem. Parrot. With that in mind, I researched DIY Stilts online. Not hard. With blueprints in hand, we went to our local lumber store and for under $100 we purchased material to build four sets of awesome stilts with adjustable foot holds. I’m in the process of painting each set bright bold colors. Now we’re combing ads for unicycles and and a tandem bicycle built for two! Bottom line: Staying in the budget! Getting creative! And getting the kids off their rears and motivated to get real exercise outside, away from devices requiring speedy li’l texting thumbs and game controller skills akin to F16 pilots. The parrot can stay at the pet shop.

  151. Joanne Schultz says
  152. stephanie miller says

    well, i dont have credit cards, and normally my husband gives me the debit card, but this year he walked out us oct 1. so this year i have cash, and some gift cards that i won, and when those are gone, i am done! last yr i had a set list, so i stayed on that list, but i still bought little stuff closer to christmas. wont be any of that this year.

  153. stephanie miller says

    i tweeted this giveaway, jrneyfan1984, http://twitter.com/#!/jrneyfan1984/status/139858012381777920

  154. stephanie miller says

    i am not sure i posted in the right place on the american express facebook. i couldnt just post a comment, so i commented on the most recent post, and i couldnt copy the link. anyway, i left a comment, hope you can find it. stephanie rowe

  155. Mary Calabrese says

    I plan to keep lists to keep track of what I’ve spent on each person.

  156. geekbearinggifts says

    I’ll be giving homemade goodies only this year for anyone not in our immediate family. No keeping up with the Joneses for me! Thanks so much for the offer!

  157. Melinda Mendy Dinsmore says

    Our budget is very low this year. We will only be buying a few gifts and shopping sales.

  158. Melinda Mendy Dinsmore says
  159. Jacob says

    We are taking a lot more time to find good deals and not waiting until the last minute when we are out of time and have to take whatever is left.

  160. Jacob says
  161. Shannon Baas says

    We only do for the little kids(my great niece and great nephews) and I have been lucky enough to win enough sweeps for gifts for all of them.

  162. Ashley says

    I always start shopping early so I’m not stuck with buying a lot all at one time. We put a limit on how much we spend for each person too.

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

  163. Melinda Mendy Dinsmore says
  164. Dee says

    I plan on staying within budget by using coupons and creating lists and shopping around for the best deals.

  165. Dee says
  166. i plan to stay on a budge by clipping coupons and staying home and taking care of my baby a lot!

  167. Holly S. says

    I do all of my shopping online, comparing prices for everything.

  168. i left a comment on this post with my Tip (courtney bella)

    https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday/posts/307533415931255

  169. Ellen B says
  170. Holly S. says

    Tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/HollyStormEtsy/status/139911524729896960

    hstorm799{at}gmail{dot}com

  171. Michelle Washburn says
  172. Dee says
  173. Dee says
  174. Lien says
  175. Tina M says

    using coupon code and shopping on line, save gas money too!

  176. Tina M says
  177. Stephanie V. says

    sales and telling kids Santa can only get a couple of things on their lists this year

  178. Dee says
  179. Jessie C. says
  180. Lindsay S says
  181. Jacqueline Griffin says
  182. To stay within a holiday shopping budget I plan to utilize my social networks and favorite “DEALS” sites to help me find great deals and savings coupons also I like to utilize our local “DOLLAR STORE” to purchase stocking stuffers and more expensive gift wrapping items such as wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbons and bows.

  183. Dee says
  184. sarah shult says

    I like to shop at thrift stores and look for damaged packaging but still never used toys for my kids – I have found some for super cheap!

  185. Shannon Egan says

    Aside from trying to win things from giveaways… lol I shop throughout the years whenever I see a deal. Not at the last second!

    othila1985@msn.com

  186. Shannon Egan says
  187. Lindsay S says
  188. Katherine says
  189. Joanne Schultz says
  190. Anne Loyd says

    I have tried to win a lot of the gifts on blogs this year and keep shopping on a tight budget. My husband and I talk about all of our purchases and what we want to get for the kids so that we are on the same page.

  191. Amanda Starr says
  192. Anne Loyd says

    I posted my tip on Amex’s wall.

  193. Anne Loyd says

    I shared this giveaway on Twitter as Anneliz702.

  194. I plan on using cash not credit. If I don’t have the cash, I don’t buy the gift. I start shopping the day after Christmas for the next year.

  195. Elle says

    My tip is to only buy things that are needed, even sale rack items, don’t buy for the sake of buying.

    Didn’t know where to place on their wall

    http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday/posts/307658969252033

  196. Elle says
  197. Lindsay S says
  198. Amber says

    I keep within budget by shopping online, I’ve found a lot of deals and save cash this way!

  199. Amber says
  200. Ellen B says
  201. steve risberg says

    you have to watch sales and sale papers.

  202. Ellen B says
  203. clynsg says

    Will use cash only–that way can’t spend what you don’t have.

  204. Melinda Mendy Dinsmore says
  205. Denise B. says

    We try to focus on the celebration of the whole Christmas season; and, since we really don’t need anything, we only buy a few small things for our children. It really doesn’t make sense to buy things we don’t really need and waste the money.

  206. Frank Blados says
  207. Kyl Neusch says

    look for good deals

  208. Jacob says
  209. Kristie says

    I stay within my budget by making my list and the cost of what I’m going to buy before I leave the house.

  210. Ellen B says
  211. Linda Lansford says

    plan to stay within a holiday shopping budget this year by sticking to the plan

  212. Chelsea Saulpaugh says
  213. Kathryn Costa says

    I have made a list and the prices of the items that are on my list. I plan to not spend any more or buy anything else more than what is on my list.

  214. Kathryn Costa says
  215. Dee says
  216. Tawnya S says

    I will stay in my budget by buying only what I need and hoping to win a few giveaways for the extras. I always buy what is on sale and use coupons for what I can. My son will be making some gifts this year.

  217. Tawnya S says
  218. Pat B says

    I read the sale papers religiously as well as all the emails I get regarding sales.

  219. Tara V says

    I created an exact budget and stuck to it. I shopped sales often to stay within my budget.

  220. Pat B says
  221. Tara V says
  222. Tawnya S says
  223. Lien says
  224. Monique Rizzo says

    shop sales and stick to my list.
    Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill12@gmail.com

  225. Tawnya S says
  226. Suzanne K says

    I’m staying within my holiday budget this year by doing homemade gifts – homegrown organic blackberries made into blackberry jam, blackberry chipolte sauce, blackberry liquour, and homegrown organic apples made into spiced canned apples!

  227. Gina H. says
  228. Lindsay S says
  229. I have cut up all my credit cards. I carry cash… when it’s gone….. it’s time to go home!
    Connie G
    CGruning at aol(dot)com

  230. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/CGruning/status/140309165557026816
    Connie G
    CGruning at aol(dot)com

  231. Dee says
  232. stacey dempsey says

    I make a list of what i want and i stick to it, i find the biggest mistakes come with impulse purchases, if you walk away to think about it most often you decide you dont need it , so that is my biggest way to stay on budget, and i am always on the lookout for the best deal
    staceyx at telus dot net

  233. stacey dempsey says
  234. Dee says
  235. Chelsea Saulpaugh says
  236. Gina H. says
  237. Cindy M says

    After buying needed tires for the car and paying off bills, My husband and I have exactly $40 left in spending money for Christmas…so we’ll probably just send Christmas cards to friends and family and then go out to dinner on Christmas day at a Truckstop ( My father was a truckdriver. It’s lots of fun!)

  238. Cindy M says

    I like Small Business Saturday on Facebook and posted tip on Turkey sale on Facebook. Pricechoppers has a great sale, Frozen Turkey is 49 cents a pound!

  239. Cindy M says
  240. Dee says
  241. Katherine says
  242. Carrie Phelps says

    My budget is very tight & I’ve been fortunate enough throughout the year to have won giveaways!

  243. Carrie Phelps says
  244. Lindsay S says
  245. Kristi C says

    I will be making a list and sticking to it instead of buying all the little extras I see.

  246. Kristi C says
  247. courtney b says
  248. Tawnya S says
  249. Lauren says
  250. kelly says

    i plan to stay in budget by price comparisons online

  251. Jacob says
  252. Ashley says

    I plan on using cash for everything I buy so I don’t go over budget. I usually set aside a certain amount for each person in an envelope and once the cash is gone its gone!!
    ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com

  253. Ellen B says
  254. Ashley says
  255. Jessie C. says
  256. Velvet Hubler says

    I plan to stay within my holiday shopping budget this year by finding the best deals possible on the product I want and finding any coupon I can to go with it

  257. Joanne Schultz says
  258. Velvet Hubler says

    I left my tip on their Facebook wall under the Small business Saturday posts Velvet Hubler

  259. Velvet Hubler says
  260. Tawnya S says
  261. Estelle says

    I plan to stick to my budget by not doing any impulse buying.

  262. Estelle says
  263. Ada Miller says

    I am planning on staying within my budget,but letting a limit for each person & not going over it,buying when it;s at its lowest & using what coupons i can. Also i will look to see what stores have what that i am interested in buying & then i will look online to see if i can get it & if i can also get free shipping or very low shipping i will take that route because it will save me gas from not having to drive to all the different stores etc.

    aemgeg4 (@) yahoo (dot) com

  264. Ada Miller says

    I tweeted aemgeg4 (@) yahoo (dot) com

    https://twitter.com/#!/adamiller28/status/140492681162924032

  265. Ada Miller says

    I shared a tip on their FB page.

    aemgeg4 (@) yahoo (dot) com

  266. courtney b says
  267. Amber says
  268. Linda G. says

    I made a list and I’m sticking to it and also only buying the items on sale!

  269. Ellen B says
  270. Barbara M says

    Stay on track with my budget – I’m going to make a list and stick to it.
    And check the Sunday paper ads to get the best deal possible.
    Thank you.

  271. Barbara M says
  272. Tawnya S says
  273. Lauren says
  274. Tracy P says

    I plan to stay within a holiday shopping budget this year by making a gift list and sticking to it.

  275. Tracy P says

    I commented on this Facebook post:
    https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday/posts/307533415931255

    Tracy Pryor

  276. Jodi J says

    To help me stay within my budget while Christmas shopping, I do a lot of research to decide exactly what I want and then I find a retailer that carries it for a good price.

  277. Jodi J says

    I couldn’t post directly on the Facebook wall so I posted on this post: http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?sk=app_183558821725512#!/SmallBusinessSaturday/posts/309362515748345

    as Jodi Jordan

  278. Tracy P says
  279. Alicia wallace says

    Make a gift list and stick to it

  280. Jodi J says
  281. Jessie C. says
  282. Jacqueline Griffin says
  283. colleen b says

    To stay in budget I’ll make a list and stick to it.
    holliister at gmail dot com

  284. colleen b says
  285. Jodi J says
  286. Heather Avery says

    I plan to stay under budget this holiday season by shopping for online deals and using cash back sites when I order!

  287. Heather Avery says
  288. Lindsay S says
  289. Ellen B says
  290. Heather Weaver says

    Shop small when ever you can it help.

  291. Michelle C says

    I have a spreadsheet that is for everything Christmas related. One sheet has a list of everyone I need to shop for and a budgeted amount. I shop throughout the year and keep the spreadsheet updated with a goal of being finished before December and coming in under budget while buying thoughtful gifts. Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

  292. Michelle C says
  293. Stephanie Mago-Eagle says

    I plan on staying within my budget by doing giveaways,doing games on fb & free samples & not spending more then I have.

  294. Stephanie Mago-Eagle says
  295. Stephanie Mago-Eagle says
  296. Jimmy says

    I planned to set a certain limit per person and not go over it.

  297. Jimmy says
  298. Mami2jcn says

    I stay on budget by not buying any of my list items unless they’re on sale or I have a coupon for them.

  299. Mami2jcn says

    I wrote on their FB wall with my username Mary Happymommy.

  300. Mami2jcn says

    tweet–https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/140599030584586241

  301. Amber F. says

    I plan to stay within my budget by actually making sure I figure in all the extra little costs this year. Things like tax, wrapping paper, shipping, and stockings never seem to make it onto my original budget and then I always have to spend more than I planned!

  302. courtney b says
  303. colleen b says
  304. Carolyn G says

    We make a budget and never go above the amount we spend per person. Shopping sales and using codes is the way to go.

  305. Michelle C says
  306. Angela C says

    I plan on staying within budget my always searching for the best price. I always check online for the lowest prices before heading out to stores…thanks!

  307. Jessie C. says
  308. Gina H. says
  309. Amber says
  310. Marina says

    I’m hoping to WIN some of the gifts! lol…

  311. Alicia says

    I plan on doing a lot of shopping online. That way I can avoid impulse buys in the store.

  312. Jennifer Rogers says

    Set the dollar amount and get the deals! I am an Amazon STALKER!

  313. Lien says
  314. Jennifer Rogers says

    Left my tip on AE Wall
    Jennifer Rogers Set the dollar amount and get the deals! I am an Amazon STALKER!Amazon supports tons of small businesses!

  315. Jennifer Rogers says
  316. Gina H. says
  317. stacey dempsey says

    daily tweet #1
    http://twitter.com/#!/roswello/status/140725568818782209
    staceyx at telus dot net

  318. Katherine says
  319. Wanda McHenry says

    I am going to use cash as much as possible and try to be exorbitant on gifts so I don’t add more debt to our credit cards.

    • Wanda McHenry says

      I meant NOT to be exorbitant, LOL

  320. Wanda McHenry says

    Left comment & tagged you on the wall the link sent me (Wanda McHenry)

  321. Wanda McHenry says
  322. Barbara M says
  323. Jodi J says
  324. Wanda McHenry says
  325. Joanne Schultz says
  326. Tawnya S says
  327. Ellen B says
  328. I always stay on my budget, mu hubby comes along and makes sure
    pedidentalasst at yahoo dot com

  329. Wanda McHenry says
  330. colleen b says
  331. Lindsay Lee says

    I save up a certain amount of money from each paycheck during the year and then I get it in cash and put it in an envelope until the item someone wants is on sale. Once the money is gone I can’t buy anything else!

  332. Lindsay Lee says
  333. We have no money for a budget even so we don’t worry about gifts for anyone but our 2 little kids get a little something.

  334. courtney b says
  335. Jacqueline Griffin says
  336. Tracy P says
  337. Heather S says

    staying w/in budget by making a list and seeing the stores that have the lowest prices and only buying from my list nothing more.

  338. linda brooks says

    I always shop sales only, and I do a lot of Amazon and Ebay online shopping.

  339. linda brooks says
  340. Heather S says
  341. colleen b says
  342. i’ll stay within my budget by not buying any more gifts than what I already have (stuff I got for free, from giveaways, or really cheap on black friday)

  343. left tip on amex fb wall on this post: http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday/posts/307533415931255
    didnt see any other way to post to their wall or get link to my comment
    thepryfamily@gmail.com
    anna pry

  344. Ellen B says
  345. Kelly Hutchinson says

    i am buying a lot on ebay this year

  346. stephanie miller says
  347. Lantana H. says

    I plan to stay within a budget for Christmas by shopping online and at discount stores and using coupons and coupon codes. Winning this contest would help me stay in my budget as well! 🙂

  348. Lantana H. says

    I left a comment on the website. I added a comment to one of their posts. I was unable to make a new post.

  349. Lantana H. says
  350. Renski says

    I plan to stay on budget because I simply don’t overspend. I look for deals all year long, too.

  351. Suzanne says

    I shop all year around for deals, stay away from impulse buying and have a set modest amount for each individual.

  352. Lindsay S says
  353. Catie says

    We have set amounts that we spend on each other. The trick is sticking to that!

  354. Cyndie Norell says

    I plan to stay within my holiday budget by making a list and sticking to it!!

  355. Sheila Vives says

    To stay within budget I am doing the following:

    1.) Limiting gifts to 2 per person
    2.)Using sales, promo codes, and coupons
    3.)Using a set monetary limit for all shopping
    4.) Not allowing myself to get overly excited about any seemingly good advertised deal
    5.) Started shopping early so I can take my time and not rush to grab something

  356. Terry M says

    I am using coupons from e-mail alerts, and store coupons through the mail. I always make sure I get free shipping or have it sent for free to closest store.I always check on-line for same item and get the best price.

  357. Becky Davis says

    Staying with in the budget and only buy what i can afford even if itss a dollar or $100.

  358. Andrea Williams says

    My plan is to make my list of people to buy for with a target amount for a gift. I also try to filter in a buffer of $25-50 in case someone’s gift goes over or shipping costs are more.

  359. Margaret Smith says

    We’re making homemade gifts for our brother & sister families.
    For our great Aunt and both Dad’s we’re giving them homemade gifts and gift cards for favorite places that they like.
    For our nieces & nephews, we agreed to spend no more than $20 a child.
    My husband and I already agreed on not exchanging gifts
    and for our kids, I purchased some gifts throughout the year and we’re going to buy them 2 items each from their Christmas list.
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

  360. cw says

    I use ebates for cashback combined with retailmenot for online coupons to stay in budget

  361. I have a gift budget that I have set up for the year that includes everyone that I usually buy gifts for. I have stuck to this budget every month, and even have a bit of money left over…this has been one of the best things I have done for my budget this year!

  362. Alena Bejenarou says

    Definitely watch out for savings and making list of websites to check for deals and be ready when they come in! Coupons coupons coupons and great blogs we have that help HUGE!
    Alena B
    sanikache@aol.com

  363. Michelle Washburn says

    I plan on saving money by looking for the best coupon codes and free shipping codes and using a cash back credit card

  364. Amy Orvin says

    I plan to only buy things on my list.
    2dogs5catscrew@att.net

  365. Crystal F says

    I start shopping early so that I don’t have to spend a ton at one time. I also buy everything that I can on sale. It’s really hard for me to pay full price for toys. Thank you!!

  366. Crystal F says

    I took the entries for entering the giveaway at Mommy of Two Little Monkeys but I can’t enter there as it requires twitter. Could you please take away those entries.? I hope I’m not disqualified. thank you!

  367. I plan to use my budget on getting my 13 year old an ipod touch.

  368. april yedinak says

    I will stay on budget by using cash when I shop

  369. catherine thomas says

    By making a list on only the things I need.

  370. Mary Beth Elderton says

    I will stay on budget, because I started shopping early and accumulating gifts over time (I have two kids with December birthdays, so I have to plan ahead!)

  371. Cortney says

    Cyber Monday deals and sticking to a budget!

  372. Jessie C. says

    Stick with the list that we made/decided of how much to spend on each person, resist impulse buy.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  373. Janice Cooper says

    I use cash instead of paying with credit cards and shop sales.

  374. I plan to stay within my holiday shopping budget by tacking a specific dollar amount for every person on my xmas list.

  375. SnKmommy says

    Our budget, thanks to living off less then $1700/mo (2 adults, 2 kids, I’m disabled though and can’t get SS), is to spend less then $50 on each kid. To do that I’ve been entering giveaways since July trying to get a couple things for them, we’ve used Listia and gotten gently used gifts for the kids and clearance from Walmart.
    So my tip is stay cheap, use clearance and there is nothing wrong with gently used gifts!

  376. Mary Jacobowitz says

    I shop year round and cash in my surveys for the year for holiday spending.

  377. Elisabeth Thomas says

    I try to win some of my gifts through giveaways lol

  378. Dee W. says

    I only take the amount of money with me to the store that is part of my budget and not a penny more, and before I go I comparison shop.

  379. Wendy Pence says

    I keep holiday shopping under control by setting a budget for each person’s gift(s), shopping Black Friday for some great deals, & keeping a list in my wallet of what was purchased/for whom/cost with corresponding receipts in case an item needs to be returned by the person I give it to or returned in order to purchase a different gift for someone.

  380. Joy F says

    Make lists and a set amount. Don’t go over it.

  381. i plan on staying in budget by using as much coupons as i can and buying things on sale

  382. Lisa says

    I usually stay under budget by making handmade gifts. I also shop thrift stores and clearance sales.

  383. Janna Johnson says

    check prices online before buying anything in a store!

    Blogtacular contest! Thanks so much! Janna Johnson Jannajanna@hotmail.com
    Janna@feedyourpig on GFC

  384. Schmidty says

    I stick to my list and avoid impulse buys.

  385. tracey andino says

    I stick to my budget by keeping a list, and keeping track of sales and coupons, and price matching. That way I do a lot of research before I buy something just because it claims to be on sale for that day only!

  386. Crystal Mexico says

    Make a list..and STICK to it! Also, I use ebates.com and coupon codes when available.

  387. Eileen says

    My best tip is to do online shopping more and stay out of the stores. I am less likely to buy on impulse if I dont SEE the item, try it on, etc. AND keeps the kids out of the store with us and asking for “extra” things we dont plan on buying.

  388. I am staying in budget by making our gifts this year- crochet scarves, and cookie & candy platters, jewelry, etc. along with wins.

  389. Renee Bruno says

    I plan to shop mostly online to curb impulse buying in stores

  390. Kelly D says

    I stay within my shopping budget by only buying gifts for the children in each family.

  391. I shop all year long. Getting things from the clearance section, or have a good deal with coupons.

  392. Amy Carlson says

    I will stay in budget by not going to the mall.

  393. darlene miller says

    this year is bad one for me,so ill only be buying gifts for my 1 daughter and3 grandkids,1 great grandkid

  394. kelley wood says

    Research, research, research!!! 🙂 make sure i get the best deals!

  395. chelesa sims says

    stick to the list and do so with a budget in mind

  396. I’m staying within my budget by making well researched purchases… I make sure I find the absolute lowest price (with additional coupons – by checking sites like RetailMeNot and CouponCabin). I’m also taking advantage of price matching! For instance – I bought a $250 KitchenAid food processor for $154 with tax – (after the price match plus an additional 20% off).

  397. Rick McClenthen says

    I started making a shopping list about two months ago and I am sticking to it. I have also used it to plan my Black Friday shopping and now using it for Cyber Monday. I have also kept track of past advertised prices, so I can easily tell if they are great deals, so I can jump on them when I see an item on my list.

  398. Trisha W. says

    In January I had a certain amount of money deducted from each of our paychecks and direct deposited it into a Christmas savings account. So, we’ve been saving all year to more easily be able to spend a chunk of money during a couple month time period.

  399. gala says

    i’m checking sales and coupons

  400. Ditto says

    I plan on shopping around for discounts, sales, and using coupons.

  401. I plan to stay within budget by shopping today, Cyber Monday, and searching for deals.

  402. I make a list and stick with it to avoid picking up extra items here and there. I also shop around to compare prices. Saving $10 or more dollars per item adds up!

  403. Brynn Dexter says

    My husband and I started saving our coins and a little cash here and there for several months in order to have some extra spending money for the holidays. WE ended up saving way more than we thought we would so it definantly helped us save money out of pocket this year.

  404. Sherry S. says

    I plan on staying on budget by shopping sales and having a list and amount for each person and not going over it.

  405. Corey Olomon says

    I don’t use credit cards, so when the money’s gone, its gone!

  406. I think its important to shop at small businesses. They are the heart of america and have put people to work. Thanks for sharing..

  407. Jennifer Reda says

    my tip is to closely follow the sales!

  408. I stay within a shopping budget by using a spreadsheet to lay out what I want to get and how much it all costs. That way I know how much I want to spend before I’m in the store.

  409. Kayla says

    I’ve been trying to do all my shopping ONLY on sales this year to save money!

  410. Sena S says

    I plan to stay within budget by buying stuff during sales!

  411. Kelly Hutchinson says

    i entered on mama loves her bargains

  412. i shop all year long as i find deals so i am not spending a ton of money the last few months.

  413. Betsy Hoff says

    I tooak a certain amount of cash out of the bank and that’s all I got- that’s any easy way to stay on budget!

  414. Cathy Wallace says

    I’ll stick with my shopping list so I can stay within a holiday shopping budget this year

  415. Lo says

    My best tip is to shop sales, and give homemade gifts when possible.

  416. linda brooks says

    Im only shopping sales, and looking online for the best deals.

  417. Aura says

    I enter online giveaways to try to win things instead of paying for them and I do surveys for money to save up and then I only buy on sale all year long

  418. Christina says

    I saved gift cards all year,along with points from surveys,Mypoints and cashed out to help pay. Along with several wins I’ve been fortunate enough to receive.

  419. Lauren says
  420. Heidi Dean says

    I plan on sticking to my budget by setting aside a certain amount of money and sticking to my list.

  421. Cheryl Barnett says

    Shopped a bit each month and following my rule to myself KISS. Overspending will not make a gift better, thinking about who people are and buying that way can often cost a lot less.

  422. SnowflakeDay (Audra) says

    It’s easier for me to stay in budget if I do most my shopping online. That way I can compare prices and shop for coupon codes to use with the gifts I’m looking for. I also like purchasing more than 1 gift from the same vendor if possible. That way I spend less on shipping.

  423. I did all of my holiday shopping for my eldest son when there was a HUGE sale at Target this summer so he’s done. The baby isn’t getting much (if anything) from us. And the toddler is only going to get sale items too. We are trying to turn our focus from things and to togetherness at Christmas time so that the kids won’t EXPECT lots of things during the holidays.

  424. Ellen B says

    https://twitter.com/#!/elliebunny24/status/141333703690428417
    my second tweet for today but the form says done – I’ve only done one – this is the second

  425. Amy Pullifrone says

    I have a list and I am sticking with it..I don’t really have all the extra money to go over so what I have is what I will use.

  426. Jacob LaFountaine says

    Make a budget and stick to it. No one needs everything

  427. Debi says

    We always make a list and try to figure out what we are going to buy for each person before going shopping.

  428. Trasina McGahey says

    You know what they say about the best layed plans….. but I try to keep a list and stick to it which is sooo hard when you see something you know someone would just LOVE even though it’s not on the list you swore you would stick to. SO yeah, lists!!

  429. steff says

    i pay all in cash!

  430. SINCE WE DON’T HAVE MUCH $ FOR SPENDING……………………………

    1. I’m shopping thrift stores and Bizarres and Craigslist
    2. Looking for deals on Ebay / Amazon
    3. Use as many coupons as I can!
    4. MAKE GIFTS! (example: I’m making fabric pinecone ornaments!!!!)

  431. I will stay on budget by searching for the best deals.

  432. elizabeth p says

    I will control my spending by only taking cash with me.

  433. ericka coello says

    my family, to save money this year, is going to get Christmas gifts only for the kids (3)

  434. lisa says

    shop sales and shop online

  435. NAN says

    i comparasion shop and find the best bargains for my budget
    nannypanpan at gmail.com

  436. Claudia N says

    buying the sales and buying only the things on my list

  437. trishden says

    Lists and internet research to find the best price, use of coupons and codes. Thanks for a great giveaway!

  438. I shop with cash only and my debit card. I also try to do most of my shopping online through out the year to avoid the temptation of spur of the moment purchases.

  439. beth says

    discipline-as much as I can muster

  440. Tina Rath says

    I saved each month towards Christmas. Once the funds are gone there will be no more gifts purchased. Everyone has been allotted a certain amount and the gifts will be within that amount.

  441. Adrienne gordon says

    I have a prepaid card that once it is gone, I’m done.

  442. Lindsay Sorensen says

    I plan to stay on my budget price I have set for each person

  443. Megan Parsons says

    I try to buy year round for Christmas, shop the sales racks and also yards sale/thrift stores. It saves alot!

  444. ginette4 says

    Trying to win as many prizes as possible to gift them out, the rest will be purchased on sale, making a list and sticking to it;

  445. heather stewart says

    Several gifts that I’m giving away this year are from giveaways I’ve won so that saves me $. I also decide how much I can spend on each person and stick to that amoung.

  446. I plan to stay under budget this holiday season by making my own greeting cards, buying inexpensive but meaningful gifts, and reusing wrapping paper and gift bags. I don’t pay full price for almost anything and that helps, too!

  447. I only have bought what my oldest really wanted and skipped all the stuff that would just be thrown in the closet. Shopping sales is a must

  448. Oka says

    coupons, coupons, coupons

  449. Allison Downes says

    I plan to save as much as possible on groceries so I can use those savings toward presents! Plus finding great deals

  450. sara gates says

    I am checking everywhere to find the best deal on each item I am planning to get

  451. stephanie miller says

    i used my winnings this year, i entered gc contests and have used those for christmas. when they are gone, im done. my husband walked out on my daughter and i oct 1 of this year, cleaned out the bank acct, and gave us no warning of what he was planning on doing. i am disabled, waiting on results from my hearing, which should be in soon, but that wont be in time for christmas. so what i won is what i can use. i have no other money, coming in or going out. he has paid the utilities, and house payment, or so he says. i just pray that will continue at least until i get my settlement! this isnt how its normally done i know, but i didnt have a choice this year! everyone got something, however little. its something and its from the heart. isnt that what christmas is about anyway? thanks for the opportunity.

  452. Tina M says

    I use coupon code and shop on line

  453. jeff a says

    i plan to stay within my budget by reading all the daily emails i get by all the blogs with great savings–you guys do all the bargin hunting for me–thanks (btw-could you consider shorting the amount of comments shown on blog post showing at the same time–you have 460 posts showing now and it takes a toll on my computer to load the entire page-im sure im not the only one) thanks!!

  454. Lauralyn Ward says

    Well it’s not a perfect system, but I plan to pay all the bills and see what is left.

  455. Since I’m not working at the moment our budget has taken a real hit so I’m trying to win as many gifts as possible this year to try to save some money!

  456. Jessica Snook says

    I plan on staying on budget by creating a shopping list before I head out of the house.

  457. I figured out what we could comfortably spend on each person without going into debt months ago, then spent weeks online finding exactly the right item that fell within that budget and saved the site where I could buy it. No going shopping and getting sidetracked with sales, I stuck to my budget.

  458. I’m staying within my budget by entering/winning giveaways for presents

  459. Katherine says
  460. Tricia Martin says

    This year I made sure that I shopped throughout the year collecting gifts that way I would not have to shop last minute and overspend. This is the 2nd year that I have done this and prefer it much better than the old way I was shopping.

  461. Shannon Kniffen says

    I plan to stay within my holiday shopping budget this year by making a preset list and sticking to it, each person on the list will be alotted the same amount money wise and once that’s spent, that’s it!

  462. michelle bardos says

    we chose the “quality over quantity” method this year.
    each of our girls got one more expensive item that fits their personality and interests, and then a couple gifts each that were all $15 and under.

    Plus I’m wrapping clothes, because at 2 and 4 yrs old, they’re happy to open ANYTHING 🙂

  463. Tanaya Syx says

    Our Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping helped us stay in our budget. Plus we set a dollar amount for each person that cannot be exceeded.

  464. Teri says

    I plan to shop the sales and use Ebates where available.

  465. Tanaya Syx says

    I tweeted, but accidently put my other giveaway I entered in instead of the URL. Here it is… https://twitter.com/#!/TanayaSyx/status/141909581558317056

  466. Frank Kerner says

    I plan to stay within my budget by not going out to eat as much!

  467. Cujo says

    Budget?!? I’m kidding. I plan to stick to a budget by “making a list, checking it twice..” and then sticking to that list.

    Happy Holidays

  468. Elizabeth Braun says

    We are shopping very frugally and making more homemade goodies instead of giving “stuff” this year

  469. angela dupree says

    We do not have much to spend so buying with cash is how I plan to shop.

  470. Kim Ripley says

    I do ALL of my shopping online and I always use coupons and cashback shopping sites.

  471. Elena Smith says

    Make sure to price check all the items on my list with multiple stores and sites 🙂

  472. Tamra says

    I plan to stay in budget by making more gifts, buying things on sale, and using coupons. Though winning a gift card sure could help! 😉

  473. I am usually very good with budgets, so aside from a few things we already bought I am also going to make home made goodies for gifts as well. That should help me stay within the budget 🙂

  474. I will stay in budget by knowing my limits and shopping for great sales!

  475. ive been shopping early and getting my presents in waves. this way im not spending a huge chunk of cash (or charging) all at once. Also, for items I know you can get at more than one place, I search for the lowest price. Ive saved some money doing that with my daughters Xmas gifts

  476. paula says

    I try and save every yr. buying ahead when find clearance items my child would like. I also try and just buy what I have on my list:)

  477. Beth Marhefka says

    My sister suggested that the two of us and our mom do not exchange this year to help us stay on a budget.

  478. Angella says

    Usually I have a specific list and a price for each item and I save up that amount before spending it. And I shop with cash! Unfortunately this year we’re bypassing the gifts. Dad was laid off and we bought a house, so money is tight. A gift card would go a long ways!

  479. Marcia Goss says

    We set aside a certain amount of money for holiday spending. When it’s gone, we stop shopping.

  480. Kristina Lindberg says

    i stay in budget by taking advantage of coupons and sales and not going overboard on the number of gifts.

  481. Robyn Galloway says

    I saved a little every month this year ($20-$50) and put it on a green card and that is what ive been using for christmas, along with any gift cards Ive won. Once that’s gone Im all done shopping so ive made a list and Im sticking to it!

  482. Sarah L says

    I give gifts of my time: coupons for baby sitting, car washing; home made bath salts & vinegars – but not together 🙂
    Thanks for the contest.

  483. Wanda McHenry says

    I’m so sorry for that 1st daily tweet duplicate, I wasn’t paying attention! SO SORRY!

  484. Barbara M says
  485. Judy Bradley says

    I do the shopping sales, clearances, etc. like you said. I also make a list of those I need to buy for and some things they would like and then a dollar amount I can allot for that person. As I shop I can add to or take from those amounts depending on what I find to fill my list.

  486. Georgia says

    We don’t buy X mas gifts. The only one’s I buy are for my grandkids. Just don’t have the money to do it.

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

  487. Marissa Bailey says

    Pay with CA$H! 🙂

  488. stephanie muth says

    I plan on just giving myself a budget and sticking with it.

  489. carey says

    i am buying fewer gifts, making more, and finding DEALS!

  490. Arlene Whitfield says

    To stay in budget this year, I plan to only buy what we need and to only buy the toys my kiddos truly want and won’t grow out of too soon! 🙂 Thanks for the gr8 blog and gr8 giveaway!

  491. Jessica Cox says

    I try to pay with cash only

  492. Tara Liebing says

    I plan to buy just one or 2 nice gifts instead of a bunch of little stuff.

  493. Judith says

    i plan to shop sales

  494. melissa n says

    I Plan on staying on budget by only buying for the kids. we do not exchange gifts in our house we only buy for the kids.

  495. I will stay in budget by writing a list and sticking to it.

  496. amber says

    i’m going to stay w/in my budget this year b/c i’ve been shopping clearance sales all year

  497. Angelica says

    Coupons, coupons, coupons. Coupons on groceries to save $$ for gifts, and coupons for the gifts themselves!

  498. Alan Tong says

    Well I have a checklist with dollar amounts so that I know that I shouldn’t go over this limit.

  499. Tina M says

    Planning to stay in the budget by buying on sale and using coupons!!!!

  500. bernadette callahan says

    i dont plan on staying on a budget 🙂 lol. i just buy whatever i see when i see it otherwise i just find something else

  501. Beth R says

    I shopped in the summer when they were clearancing summer toys. That helped a lot

  502. Kathy says

    By entering giveaways and shopping for bargains.

  503. shelly Donahoe says

    I plan to do the gift card deals where you get so much money for buying a giftcard (Like get $5 GC when you buy $25GC) BEFORE I shop that way I instantly start off saving.

  504. My husband and I are only getting gifts for each other…not getting everyone in the family gifts kind of sucks but it keeps costs WAY down

  505. I’ve been entering giveaways with my Christmas list in mind all year long! I also watch for great deals throughout they year, and try to keep from setting myself up to buy too much at once!

  506. Carrie says

    Only use cash (no credit cards), search for the best prices & coupons, and stick to my list

  507. Keep veggies and fruits around for snacks.

  508. Amber F. says

    I am so sorry I got which blog I was on confused! Entries 3000-3004 will make no sense!

  509. We have one more paycheck before Christmas so will stay in budget by not spending it all 🙂

  510. Laura Andry says

    An to stay within my budget this year by shopping the sales, shopping ahead of time, and entering giveaways :).

  511. I plan to stay within my holiday budget by shopping smart. I rarely buy anything at full price. I comparison shop, buy generic, visit the clearance racks, etc.

  512. Lorena Keech says

    We’re fortunate. We exchange only Christmas ornaments and homemade goodies by pre-arrangement. So we all stay within budget easily.

  513. melissa norton says

    accidentally put entered a diffrent giveaway in a tweet spot so here is the tweet https://twitter.com/#!/MelissaRin/status/142814889172402176

  514. I’m sticking to a Christmas budget just like I do any budget, I don’t spend what I don’t have!

  515. kelly says

    i plan to price compare online

  516. Sheridan T says

    I minimize the number of people I’m buying gifts for. I only give gifts to close family and friends – I don’t bother spending on acquaintances because it doesn’t really make our relationship deeper.

  517. Katherine says
  518. I wish i had some tips to stay on budget – but I will try to do as many online sales as I can find and some DIy baskets using some of those thins on my blog (spice mixes and drinks and gifts in a jar)

  519. Beth R says

    I did a lot of holiday shopping this summer, so I only have few items left to get for people

  520. polly says

    i only buy items on sale…i never pay full price…watch those ads ladies!
    pkeintz@gmail.com

  521. Catherine says

    I shopped early and did most of it online. Great deals!

  522. lina says

    i use excel to mark how much i’ve spent on each person so far!

  523. I set a spending limit per person on my list.

    Cathy Davis
    mysubs4@gmail.com

  524. kim c says

    My husband & I will come up with a budget on what we can afford to pay for christmas gifts. Once this is decided I will take that money out in cash and that will be all that is spent for gifts. We’ll pay cash, no credit, so we won’t get ourselves further into debt.

  525. Laura Royal says

    I plan to use coupons and deal websites to stay on budget. Also, buy only the items on my list. Sometimes a good deal in not really a deal if you don’t really need it.

  526. Leann Lindeman says

    Well, we were doing pretty good, but just purchased a large item for our daughter for Christmas… we will pay off the card at the first of the year.

  527. Cheryl Barnett Saves says

    Since my budget is all about eating each month I am staying on it. We don’t by gifts because it is not in our budget.

  528. Lisa Davis says

    I scour the web and papers for coupons before I start my shopping, I also set a budget for each person and keep a list of the people/amounts in my purse and refer to it when I’m out window shopping to curb impulse buying (works most the time :))

  529. Jessica says

    I do a lot of my shopping online…you can get some great prices/promotions and it saves me from impulse buying. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

  530. Cory says

    The way I will be staying in my budget this year is to be keeping my eyes open for deal and where to save the most.

  531. joanne major says

    i start shopping in july. i have a set amount to sppend on everyone and i do not spend over that amount period. any extra and i spend on the grandkids who live with me.
    jmajor4870(at)aol(dot)com

  532. patricia skinner says

    I plan on staying in my budget by comparison shopping online to get the best deals.

  533. Geoff K says

    I’m staying on budget by agreeing on spending limits for gifts with friends and family members, going in on gifts together for some relatives with my sister, and avoiding the temptation to buy gifts for myself when I’m doing my holiday shopping!

  534. Terri S. says

    I plan to stay within my holiday budget by shopping sales and clearance items and using coupons. I also pick up items on sale throughout the year and put them away for Christmas gifts. 🙂

  535. Sherrie says

    American Express (Yes AMEX) offers a prepaid debit card that you can load using your checking account. I load money on my AMEX debit card (almost like a Christmas club account) and set it aside to use for specific purchases. The card is my budget. — No worries. No January 2012 bills to groan over. 🙂

  536. April V. says

    Considering that my holiday shopping budget is $0.00 at the moment, the only tip that would keep me within that is not to buy gifts. So I’ve been making them with things I have on hand.

  537. Cassie says

    we shop deals and use coupons to stay within our budget

  538. This year most of our gifts will be cash or gift cards

  539. barbara wright says

    I have a set dollar amount, along with a list of what I want to buy for each person and what it costs. So if I change my mind, I can see right away if it’s going to blow my budget.

  540. Allie Sansing says

    well winning this gift certificate would put me ahead 250! I price match and make a detailed list of gifts and budget for each person.

    allies1986@gmail.com

  541. Deanna G. says

    I plan to shop sales.

  542. Theresa J says

    Best way to stay within budget is to pick specfic items out and bring only the amount of cash for that item. This way you are not tempted to overspend.

  543. Linda Meyers-Gabbard says

    It’s hard to leave a tip on staying within a budget when the Christmas budget for Christmas is zero.
    If I win this giveaway this would be the budget n

  544. katfam says

    We strictly limit who we buy for and I use an Excel spreadsheet to track my purchases and spending to keep things in check.

  545. Erica Best says

    i do alot of my shipping online it keeps me from over shopping

  546. Carol Bryant says

    No charging and stay on budget.

  547. JLJMommy says

    I make a list and have a dollar limit for each person. This helps me stay on budget and not forget anyone!!!

  548. It was easy for me to stay on a budget this holiday season. All I have to do is look around my house at the gazillion toys my kids already have, and it kept me from buying too much more. 🙂

  549. Emily says

    I stay within budget by shopping year-round, buying items on sale and making many of the gifts myself.

  550. Danielle Jones says

    I am letting Grandma and Auntie spoil my kids and limiting what I get for them.

  551. Kimberly O. says

    I plan on buying only what we can truly afford. We will set a $ amount for each child and or extended family members. We will do fudge plates. We haven’t even begun our shopping this year.

  552. Mellissa C says

    I stick to a list and try to use coupons.

  553. Melissa Mariott says

    I have put a strict budget on this Christmas, because last Christmas i spent WAY to much!

  554. Christina says

    As I do every year (or there wouldn’t be any money!), I allot a certain amount for gifts and never go over it.

  555. christine jessamine says

    i opened up a seperate savings account only for christmas items

  556. I did most of my shopping online earlier this year from ebay as well as retailers using lots of coupon codes!

  557. Dawn Dee says

    I plan on staying within budget by having the kids makes crafts for their gifts for family.

  558. Annie says

    I made a list and I’m sticking to it!

  559. Sometimes it’s worth paying more locally and just get less “stuff”. Quality over quantity!

  560. nan says

    i use coupons and only shop/buy items that are on sale to stay in budget
    nannypanpan at gmail.com

  561. Jessica S. says

    I stayed on my budget by picking out super sale items throughout the year and adding little things at the end.

  562. Angie M says

    I use lots of coupons!

  563. I made a list, which we will stick to, and searched for the best deal online and will shop that way. Everything is ordered!
    andrea.kruse at gmail dot com

  564. I’m making a list complete budgeted amounts and checking it twice! Santa would be thrilled!

  565. Erica C. says

    I made a list of what I wanted to buy and how much I was okay with spending per person…so far I’ve stuck to the list.

  566. just try to spend only cash no credit

  567. Susan E. says

    Don’t go overboard, buy things on sale throughout the year, save sweepstakes wins to give as gifts.

    rogsdock[at]gmail[dot]com

  568. We’ve already notified family that we are not able to spend much at all on gifts this year and told friends we are not exchanging

  569. Lewis F says

    To stay on budget leave the credit cards home.

  570. Rosanne says

    I plan on cutting down on the amount of gifts I buy

  571. yes i can use it

  572. Julie Lundstrom says

    I start Christmas shopping early and try to do some every month to help so it doesn’t cost so much all at once.

  573. Kristine M. says

    I hope to stay within buget by keeping my eyes on the sales…and trying my best not to shop while the kids are at school.

  574. ferriz says

    im baking a lot of gifts and other things i am using the internet to find the best deals for.

  575. Diane Devine says

    Unfortunately, it has been a tough year for us, so our Christmas budget is pretty much zero! I am entering giveaways to be able to get our children ar least a couple things!

  576. Diane Devine says

    Unfortunately, it has been a tough year for us, so our Christmas budget is pretty much zero! I am entering giveaways to be able to get our children at least a couple things!

  577. daniel healey says

    I am exercising 3 times a week and trying not to eat all the cookies I am making.

  578. Sylvie W says

    I go with lists of exact items I want to purchase. If I am drawn by an impulse buy, then I make sure I note it on my list and adjust by eliminating something else. Also, follow the sales and use coupons.

  579. Renee Wapniewski says

    By entering giveaways and following sales

  580. mamabunny13 says

    I will be using my giveaway wins as gifts this year.

  581. Viviana Gross says

    I’ve kept a Christmas envelope with cash only to be used for Christmas gifts. It’s kept me on budget!

  582. It’s not hard when it is your only option- cash only, snagging up deals & homemade goodies.

  583. Susan Smith says

    I buy gifts on sale with cash.

  584. i enter blog contests throughout year and save some winnings for gifts, saves a lot of money

  585. Ada Miller says

    Well we have no choice but to stay in budget since my spouse got laid off of work,so that makes it hard to be able to spend anything at all unless it’s to pay bills.

    aemgeg4 (@) yahoo (dot) com

  586. Ada Miller says

    I mean to add the url to my blog for the adding your button entry,but still had my email copied,so that got put into the entry. if it still counts here is where i have your button

    http://adamiller.blogspot.com/
    Ada Miller
    aemgeg4 (@) yahoo (dot) com

  587. Meghan Page says

    I plan on buying everything at least half off and only using cash if i can!

  588. swedenesefamily says

    Start shopping early!!! I started last year…and I don’t buy anything unless it is a huge bargain. You don’t feel pressured into buying expensive gifts if you give yourself plenty of time to shop.

  589. cole says

    I always shop sales

  590. Lily says

    I ALWAYS use coupons.

  591. Lily says

    I ALWAYS use coupons.

  592. Cristina Garcia says

    No impulse buys…stick to the list!

  593. Luis Bonilla says

    only buy stuff on sale

  594. Becky Horn says

    I use coupons which helps me to save some money for christmas
    sweokgrl@gmail.com

  595. Hoa Le says

    I make a list of all the stuff I need to buy and try to find great deals online while staying in my budget.

    alittlepieceofheaven777(at)yahoo(dot)com

  596. Daniel M says

    stay to the list, coupons & sales

  597. It’s easy! I have no money to budget! 🙂

  598. Molly K says

    I keep a spreadsheet on my computer on how much I have spent on everyone and what my goal amount is for them. I also keep a piece of paper in my purse with the amount I have left to spend on each person.

  599. Jill L says

    I have been buying a little at a time. Also I am giving some homemade gifts also.

  600. Debra Hall says

    i only pay cash

  601. Gianna says

    We don’t have money to spend so there won’t be any extra spending.

  602. Amanda Caruthers says

    I make a list of all the people in my family and set a dollar amount to spend on each person.

  603. Charisse Snead says

    I won’t pay full price for anything.

  604. Debbie C says

    With time at such a crunch for me, the best I can do is check sales and research online for best prices.

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

  605. bobbi says

    I have a specific limit on each of my children and I will not go over.

  606. nanjhall says

    I confess, I am an accountant and when I set a budget, I stick to it:) I usually price out my list and know exactly how much it should cost, how much I have already spent and how much is left. It drives others crazy…LOL.

  607. Claire says

    I watch sale ads like a hawk and, when shopping online, ALWAYS use a coupon. I also go to the dollar store for wrapping paper and other supplies – no use spending a lot on stuff that’s just going to be tossed in the trash!

  608. cynthia layton says

    im trying to win most of my presents lol

  609. B. whitescarver says

    I do themes every year and this year will be “movie time”

  610. Michelle C says

    I have a spreadsheet that I use to track who I need presents for and how much I have budgeted for each gift. Thanks for the chance to win!
    mrsmchappell at gmail dot com

  611. cory says

    my plan to stay on a budget this year is to bargain shop and also to remove the cash from the bank and just use that so i don’t get crazy using my debit card!
    mychancetowin at gmail dot com

  612. Jen Harriman says

    I have very little money this year. Like many people. I have been entering giveaways for months to try to stock up on some gifts & I shop sales every time I see a great deal!

  613. Aubrey Briskin says

    paying with cash to stay on my budget

  614. Rebecca S. says

    I plan on looking for deals and using coupons if possible

  615. Rebecca Peters says

    I buy sales and I also buy all year long!

  616. Kelly says

    Before heading out to the outlet malls, I am going to gather as many coupons (from mail, e-mail, websites, etc.) as I possibly can. It’s amazing what kinds of deals you can get when stacking a 30% off coupon with the 50% off outlet sales!

  617. Barbara M says
  618. erma H says

    Iam going to try to use coupons.

  619. Amanda says

    i budgeted by shopping online on black friday to save and got free shipping on all of the items too. I always look for coupon codes as well

  620. Stephanie Jones says

    I stay in a budget by looking at the ads from Target, Toys r us etc. .. and plan accordingly …

  621. paula barrett says

    I try to buy nothing new (except underwear 🙂 auctions are a great place to find bargains!

  622. Valerie Taylor Mabrey says

    List and list and will power
    vmkdis3 at msn dot com

  623. Debra F says

    I stay on budget by not only sticking to my list, but by shopping around, both locally and on line to find the best prices for the gifts I need to get.

  624. monica says

    I stay on budget, by sticking to it. I never use credit cards. I shop around online sometimes even days before christmas to ensure that im getting a good deal. This year I have found ebates, and LOVE their platform!

  625. tamatha hunter says

    its not really a tip but since I was laid off from work there is no budget for gifts & no way not to stick to it

  626. Denise F says

    Setting a budget and sticking to it.

  627. Jody Sisson says

    I go online to compare prices to stay on budget which is less this year.

  628. tracey johnson says

    i shopping sales and clearance racks. thanks

  629. Jennifer C says

    I plan to stay within budget by paying with cash only.

  630. Jillian T says

    I plan to stay on budget by not going over my per person budget and “bulking” up the gift by doing a kind act that they may need done.

  631. MelissaO says

    We limit who we buy for, only the closest friends and family.

    wolverina401 at gmail dot com

  632. I plan on staying on budget by winning things! 🙂

  633. Julie Moe says

    I will look for things on sale and stick to a budget for each person.

  634. Kayla says

    I’m going to buy things when they’re on sale and use the internet to compare prices at different stores.

  635. Angela says

    I saved a ton of money by shopping online on Cyber Monday, it really helped me to stay within my budget, thanks

  636. Erin R says

    you can’t spend more cash than you have! So only take cash with you shopping and only how much you can truly afford to spend.

  637. I make a budget around September, then keep an eye out for good deals on gifts. As I purchase them, I make notes in my budget spreadsheet with the price so I can be sure to stay below my budget.

  638. I plan to stay in budget by making a list and sticking to that list.

  639. Michelle Tucker says

    I plan on going to the store with only the cash I can spend in hand. I’ll get the gifts I need to, and leave everything else at the store:)

  640. shawn says

    i plan on only paying cash

  641. Brandy B says

    Even if I wanted to go outside of my budget the current economy just won’t allow for it.

  642. I will be staying in budget by shopping with coupons and hitting the mark down aisles.

  643. Rachel S says

    I save by signing up for company emails. They like to do member benefits like discounts and birthday rewards.

  644. julieh says

    I plan to stay in my budget by shopping with cash I have set aside for xmas. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

  645. Ann Marie Walker says

    I plan to stick to the budget by putting a specific amount on each person and spending no more than that. SweepsGirl@aol.com

  646. we are only buying gets for immediate family and once i decided what I was getting for whom i have been searching the internet for the best deals on those items

  647. Tiffany LaCourse says

    I plan on shopping clearance!

  648. Michelle Sanchez says

    Buy (within reason ) for immediate family, make for extended family.

  649. Brittney House says

    I use alot of coupons and plan ahead.

  650. Michelle Plummer says

    Ah, I don’t budget I just kind of wing it!

  651. Heidi says

    I stay in budget every year by buying online during sales and using coupon codes!
    textbookmommy at gmail dot com

  652. Mandala says

    take advantage of sales and coupons, stick to your list and as much as possible pay in cash to avoid impulse buys with your credit card

  653. Chelsea says

    Pay with cash (and NOT withdraw anymore if I run out), and make as many things by hand as I can! 🙂

  654. Angela Cisco says

    I have used gift cards that I have earned/won the last few months combined with in store specials to pay for Christmas. I have done really well and am almost finished. So far I have spent $34. I think that I can finish up for under %50 for my family of 4

  655. I’m making homemade gifts for several of my family members. For the other’s I stalked the forums on SlickDeals and found good deals. 🙂

  656. Shelley Mitchell says

    I wait for sales and use ad coupons to save money.

    msjem2001 at yahoo dot com

  657. I’m not even shopping. If I don’t go to the mall, temptation is removed.

  658. kathy pease says

    i search for coupons and sales online.and use a comparison site to get the lowest prices

  659. Jodi Kershuk says

    Lots of coupons, sales and online codes. Its hard to stay within budget when there are so many cute things I want to buy.

  660. mary gardner says

    shopping sales and coupons

    marygardner49 at aol dot com

  661. Jessica says

    I make a Christmas list of of all the people I need to buy for. Next to their name I put the MAX dollar amount I want to spend on gift for them. It’s an easy way that how I do it.

  662. Use coupons, shop online, shop sales and black friday and shop in advance, not last minute
    kport207 at gmail dot com

  663. Pauline M says

    We use the envelope method for budgeting. When the envelope is empty, we’re done shopping!

  664. Colleen Goldrick says

    Financially this has been a hard year so I will stay under budget and find joy in doing things with my children instead of giving things, thanks for the chance!!

  665. Michelle Hagewood says

    We try to do the majority of our shopping on Black Friday that way we get the good deals and are able to get more for our money. The rest of the time it’s just picking up odds and ends.

    boylaneely at hotmail dot com

  666. Terry Cross says

    I plan to shop around for the best deals and sales

  667. Dave R. says

    I try to buy everything on sale.

  668. Nicole Thoresen says

    I’m staying on budget by shopping around and getting more cheaper presents!

  669. McKim says

    I don’t have any choice – I only have a certain dollar amount I can spend or I won’t have enough for bills. I have been shopping all year long when I see sales. I have cut down on how much I’m buying for each person this year.

  670. Melanie Dauterive says

    I leave the cards at home, take out a certain amount of money in cash and ONLY spend that

  671. Carol Foster says

    I am paying cash not using my charge cards
    carolkfoster at comcast dot net

  672. DanV says

    I plan to stay within a holiday shopping budget this year by making a list and checking all the sales

  673. danielle campbell says

    perfect time for x mas

  674. Rosey says

    It’s too late for me. I had a planned budget but have already totally blown it.

    To stay in budget, I should have stayed with the sales (and there are some really great ones in stores and online! Plenty enough to buy for everyone at a discount!). My tip is to stick w/the sales, period.

  675. cassandra says

    I keep all my receipts and note how much is spent and try to come up with a budget before i buy.
    cmarquez482(at)ymail(dot)com

  676. Shannon says

    I try to focus on only what I’m looking for and search for the best deals within my spending limit

  677. Christy Weller says

    I plan to stay within my holiday budget buy not buying unncecessary items, but focusing more on what people that I purchase for can use, and I also look for discounts and search for the best deal on a certain product.

    cweller75@gmail.com

  678. Nick D. says

    Being I’m still in college and broke, I don’t have much choice. I look around for sales. I will also buy something slightly used.

  679. mistysunrise says

    I plan on utilizing the sales

  680. rachel harper says

    each person has a price limit and made list of most wanted items and sticking to both

  681. shirley pebbles says

    I plan on staying on budget by doing most of my shopping online to avoid overspending.

  682. R Hicks says

    I plan on staying on budget by spending only cash. I have so much that I can spend and no more

    brich22 at earthlink dot net

  683. Carolyn K says

    We’re trimming back and not buying new decorations, using an artificial tree and old wreathes, etc. We’re staying in budget by making due with what we already have.

  684. I bought everyone on my gift list a gift certificate to their favorite stores this year and they all got the same amount, so I spent only what I had planned on spending.

  685. loni says

    I shop earlier in the year so I can save more $$,

    trippyjanet at gmail dot com

  686. Sarah Matos says

    I plan to shop sales!
    smatos04@hotmail.com

  687. spirit_kim says

    I am going to get to the good sales, and stay within the price I have set for each gift.

  688. Judy says

    stick to a list

  689. Sand says

    I’m setting aside so much money to spend this season.

  690. brian e. says

    Thanks for the giveaway…we agree to a budget beforehand & limit the amount of gifts that we give to family & close friends…everything in moderation !
    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

  691. Erica G says

    I plan on staying on budget by paying cash for everything. If there is no cash left in the envelope, either I’m done shopping, or I have t return something!

  692. Sheila Vives says

    I plan to stay within reasonable spending limits by utilizing company promotions, contest wins, and Twitter Parties, to fund my Christmas shopping and also some needs !

  693. Erin Collins says

    I will cut back on my list of people I will buy gifts for.

  694. By buying sale items and using coupons.

  695. Emily says

    I’ve used gift cards I’ve received to by gifts! Coupons are another big saver.

  696. Beth Good says

    I wait until I see great deals posted online and then I try to get in on them. We don’t have much extra money, so sticking to a budget is easy. If you don’t have it, you can’t spend it.

  697. SInce money is close this year I am entering giveaways. I am also doing homemade gifts. Like cookies and cakes for family members. I am also letting the kids make stuff for family members. Another way is buying online. Search for only what you need. You can find good deals using retailmenot

  698. Deborah Wallin says

    I have a notebook where I have marked what amount is alloted for each person. If I happen to go under on a gift, I put the excess funds in an extra column. If I see a gift which costs more than the alloted amount, I can only get it if there is money in the excess funds, otherwise I just have to choose something else.

  699. Aaron Bretveld says

    I am staying within my budget by not trying to go overboard and buy too many things for family and friends. I just have to accept that I can’t get everything they want.

  700. Amanda B. says

    Looking for the best deals is the way to go….so that way I don’t go over the budget I set for each person

  701. ana gonzalez says

    i plan to make a list

  702. Kristy Babcock says

    I plan on staying in budget by hopefully winning this gift card. 🙂

  703. Danyell says

    I purchase Visa, Mastercard or Amex gift cards for each person on my list. This allows me peace of mind, staying in my budget and they can the use the cards for whatever it is they want or even need. It is not impersonal , as some would say, I had a very close girlfriend to me that gas in her tank to get to interviews , was better than another sweater or hat and glove set.

  704. I learned to crochet last year and will crochet for Christmas, trying to stay within budget and handmade always the best ♥

  705. kelly west says

    i look for any great deal that i can find

  706. denise washburn says

    i only spend what’s left after all bills are paid

  707. AEKZ2 says

    I’m not buying a lot of toys for my kids this year, which is awesome because I bought too much last year.

  708. AndreaH says

    The tip I have been following is to only get an item if it is on sale…a good sale. Leave my list of what to get wide open so it leaves me more room to pick out different things on sale.

    AndreaH
    davandihamilton (at) gmail (dot) com

  709. This holiday season I am making room in my house while adding to my wallet by selling some of our gently used cloths toys and electronics on Craigslist. With the economy as it is we have to be creative to amass some extra funds to support our gift giving. The best part is that with this plan you also reduce the clutter in your World. Win, win!

    SMILE!

    ML
    @MissLori

  710. shel says

    This year we’ve made a list and set an amount for each person. No more going over, this year we have to stick to budget. I’ve been shopping online and sale ads to finish my list. So far, I haven’t gone over my budget and just a few more left to buy.

  711. We’re only buying for kids this year

  712. cw says

    I plan on staying in budget by using sites like retailmenot and ebates to get discounts and cash back

  713. cw says

    accidentally put uprinting giveaway down a second time….please substitute this entry – entered sleep innovations bath mat

  714. Iliana Blair says

    Well unfortunately I have already blown the budget but only because my son got a new job and I helped with the purchase of new clothes.
    But usually I keep within the budget to spend more on family outings rather than personal gifts.

  715. I purchased 6 gifts in October, monogrammed them in November, and will buy all the rest of my gifts online this week. If it wont arrive in time, then I will place a picture of the item inside a Christmas card to show them what they will be getting. For friends, I am making/baking something and assembling them in mason jars with ribbons.

  716. I wrote a comment on the bean bag post that i meant to write on this post….i am so confused haha. anyway, I shopped early, shop online, and make and bake for giving to teachers and friends.

  717. Heather D says

    I am just waiting for sales and pricematching and using coupons when i can

  718. I am making most of our gifts this year

  719. Sylvia B. says

    We don’t really have a budget this year. Bills come first and whatever is left over is what we have for holiday spending. We asked the kids what they want and we agreed on a few things for them. Adult family members will be getting home made gifts.

  720. Handmade gifts and a separate bank account solely for shopping for gifts. I’m all about saving money and handmade with love!

  721. Nikki Elkins says

    Well since I had back surgery I no longer am working. So the holidays this year are scaled back. Its so easy to go overboard on the kids. So really been looking for the deals online this year.

  722. Misty Osborne says

    I shop local. I shop second hand stores and use bargain days at one of our local auction companies.

  723. Jeremy says

    Pair people up when buying gifts. If you want to spend only $80 on the two, and you spend $50 for one, be sure to only spend $30 on the other.

  724. I am staying within a budget this Christmas by using coupons, Groupons and special deals whenever possible.

  725. Brenda Gaines says

    only buy my list

  726. Lisa says

    I used a lot of coupons this year. Also, if I had already bought a gift and found it cheaper else where I would buy the cheaper one and return the expensive one. Even though it is a pain in the neck, every little bit adds up.

  727. I always use cash for my holiday shopping. It keeps me within budget. And I try to use a lot of site credits and saved gift cards so as not to spend to much. This would help SO much with holiday shopping though!

  728. Daiva says

    I plan on staying within my budget by shopping sales, sticking to my shopping list and limiting amount of how much I spend on each person

  729. Penny W says

    I hit the Target toy clearance sales in July to get most of the kiddo’s gifts this year.

  730. Tabitha Evans says

    I stayed within a budget this year by taking advatage of free shipping offers

  731. Rochelle says

    I made a list if things I’d buy this holiday season and will not buy outside this list so I don’t spend too much. Thanks!

  732. Holly S. says

    I plan on making a list and STICKING TO IT! That’s a big problem for me, putting things away and forgetting about them. Seeing great stocking stuffers and not realizing that I already have gotten that stuff. Thanks!

  733. Marissa Bailey says

    I plan to stay within my budget by keeping a list of what I’ve bought & how much I’ve spent. It keeps me from going crazy. 😉

  734. Apryl says

    My tip is to set a budget before you start shopping.

  735. We plan out who gets how much and stick with it!

  736. tracee Bass says

    we are done shopping so I tried to stay within our budget but some things had to be put back…..would love this to get the things I had to put back!

  737. Yvonne D says

    I am please to say that I still have money! So that is a good sign!

  738. Lauren says

    i try and use coupons and find good deals.

  739. Kerri says

    I shop discount stores and sales!

  740. Marsha Webb says

    I plan on not going over my budget by making homemade gifts and using my gift cards from swagbucks and mypoints to buy christmas presents.

  741. Alena Bejenarou says

    coupons discounts sales!
    Thank you
    Alena Bejenarou
    sanikache@aol.com

  742. Victoria Russell says

    I’ve been shopping throughout the year – so it doesn’t get too crazy when the holiday season rolls around!

  743. Carolyn says

    Planning- I make a list and stick to it.

  744. jenn says

    i may not be able to save $ on toys or other gifts but if i use coupons and shop wisely for food and other items i will have money to spend on christmas
    jenzen69atyahoodotcom

  745. jenn says

    sorry i put something wrong in the tweet #2 box, here is the right url
    https://twitter.com/#!/jenzen69/status/146491806866096128
    jenzen69atyahoodotcom

  746. Amy Brown Whitley says

    I have a list with each persons name and a dollar amount that I am permitted to spend on that person.

    amybrown16 (at) insightbb (dot) com

  747. Rita M says

    We’ve opted for one gift per person, plus one couple gift. Ebates & Retail Me Not are never too far away!

  748. Ron L says

    I plan on staying on budget by buying items on sale.

  749. Melissa S says

    What’s a budget? LOL…I tried the “let’s not buy presents for each pther this year and just focus on the kids.. But he decided that he would ask for an IPAD instead. Oh lord, help me. I need this gift card badly!

  750. Holly Hennessy Swint says

    I plan on saving a ton of money this Holiday Season by giving prizes I have won in giveaways all year long as presents!

  751. April G says

    I make a list and stick to it, and I use coupons and shop the best deals!

  752. Megan Parsons says

    I try and buy Christmas gifts all year around, shop sales and always have a budget!

  753. Shannon Egan says

    I stay within the budget every year by buying gifts and whatever great deals I can all year long instead of just the winter months. 🙂

  754. Jessica Patrick says

    By winning a lot of freebies on your blog – lol J/K actually I’ve done most of my shopping already 🙂

  755. Becky Horn says

    I shop early throughout the year and find all the sales

  756. lulu says

    I shop throughout the year whenever I find good sales going on 🙂

  757. gina says

    Making lists & keeping track of purchases always helps me stay within my budget.

  758. Jennifer Ellis says

    I didn’t pay full price for any presents this year. It took a little more time figuring out who has the best deals but was well worth it.

  759. Amber says

    My holiday budget tip is to make some handcrafted gifts – either crafts or baked goods – it’s a lot of fun, saves money and is more thoughtful than a store bought gift!

  760. Wendy O. says

    I set a price limit and don’t go above it per person. I also hit the sales/online deals whenever possible, and I always carry my coupons!

  761. Kristie Betts says

    For the year 2012 I’m gonna try to save with Amazon with Swagbucks, Gigthulk and SuperPoints

    I have also started clipping coupons so hopefully I can save some money there, if I don’t leave my coupon binder at home

    Thanks for the chance to win

  762. Jennifer Speed says

    To stay within my budget I plan to buy only what I need to buy.

  763. Rachel Runyan says

    We make a list for everyone on our gift list and then set a specific budget for that person. I planned ahead what to get each person and searched for the best deal.

  764. Jennifer Speed says

    I Entered to win $300 at This Mama Loves Her Bargains

  765. Sarah says

    We started early and tried to hit as many sales as we could.

  766. Ellen B says

    I try to buy things on sale

  767. Peter G says

    I give what I can and leave an IOU for expensive gifts that I can purchase when the sales start after the holidays.

  768. We just set a budget and stick to it. Easy as that. All praise YNAB.

  769. Primarily shopping online, and comparing prices across the websites.

  770. Debbie Painter says

    No real tip, just a very limited budget, so I have no choice but to be on a strict budget!! Thank you so much for a chance to win!!

  771. Heather Walsh says

    I plan to stay ahead by sticking to my budget and hitting sales! So far, so good!

  772. I’m unemployed, so it’s not hard to stay within my budget of nothing.

  773. I stay on budget by shopping around a lot and never paying retail for anything no matter how much someone or I want it.

  774. I stay on budget by shopping sales & making handmade gifts!
    Thank you for the opportunity:)

  775. I save by shopping the sales special pricing events throughout the year (including Black Friday/Cyber Monday), would not have it any other way!

  776. Elizabeth K says

    I plan on making a list and sticking to it.

  777. ria says

    I’m starting with a list of people and a set amount of cash- when the cash runs out- that’s it!
    rmartinclarke @ gmail.com

  778. Debbie C says

    I bought a lot of gifts already, throughout the year during sales and good deals.

    chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

  779. debbi says

    We live on one income, so we are well-practiced at staying within budget. We pick up things as we see them on sale. I also have won a few Christmas gifts–YAY! We use Swagbucks to get gift cards, and we keep things simple.

  780. I plan to stay in budget by not OVER buying!! My kids don’t need a ton! 🙂

  781. Brenda F says

    Staying on budget and shopping local!

  782. steve r says

    Write down how much you will spend for each person and then stick to that number.

  783. Aline says

    I set up my own Christmas Club account at the bank. Once the money is gone. I’m done

  784. Kenny F. says

    thanks for the giveaway!

  785. Kenny F. says

    thanks for the contest!

  786. Jessica Stewart says

    I’ve done pretty good by buying gifts before xmas – like w/ xmas in july sales

  787. becca p. says

    MAKE a budget & STICK to it!!! Oh, I also look for sales & deals, and coupons if possible!

  788. becca p. says

    Grabbed your button: http://theABCkidZ.blogspot.com

  789. Rudy says

    Coupons, Coupons Coupons … using them like crazy this year.

  790. Laura says

    Very excited at the thought of a gift card! That amongst shopping ads compuslively helps.

  791. ronda says

    i have 5 kids and a headache from trying to keep it all straight at this point.. i made a few list and i”m checking them thrice!

  792. Tonya Brookreson says

    I’m always a bargain shopper, but this year I set a dollar amount for our budget and waited for the BEST deal to allow me to get more. The best deal I found this year was a LeapPad for 35% off the original price by using a percent off coupon and a dollar amount off coupon provided by the store…SCORE!

  793. Amanda Alvarado says

    I am only allotting a certain amount of money to spend per person and only buying something that will only cost that amount instead of going over it like I have in years past!

  794. Richard Breidenbach says

    I stay in budget by not buying anyone presents!

  795. Judy Bradley says

    I use a list with how much I can spend

  796. Patricia Huang says

    I always make a list and plan on staying within budget

  797. Jennifer Williams says

    I set a dollar amout for each person I’m buying for, and I stick to it. I’ll admit it’s hard, especially when you see a good deal or sale!

  798. Barbara Bee says

    I’ve cut way back on whom I gift. Plus I’ve set a dollar amount for each person that I won’t go over. That dollar amount was based on my ability to pay the credit card in full next billing period so I can earn my rewards but not pay interest. I’m good about staying within my budget so that’s all that is necessary for me.

    3oink63moo484@gmail.com

  799. Tami C says

    I plan to make a list and stick to it.

  800. ryan minton says

    i stay within my budget by only using cash and coupons whenever possible!

    rypm25@aol.com

  801. Heather H says

    I plan to stay on budget by making a list prior to shopping and sticking to it (all prices included and pre-calculated). I will keep my eye open for any deals as well
    hendymartin1 at yahoo dot com

  802. Daniel M says

    stick to lists, get coupons and look for sales

  803. erma says

    I used coupons and shopped for deals.

  804. Terri says

    I assigned each person a limit and that’s all I can spend on that person

  805. Jennifer says

    I tried to slightly overbudget for a few items in my holiday budget, and this extra allowance covered things that came up that were unexpected. So far, so good!

  806. I shopped early. I watch the sales and have paid full price for only one gift this year!

  807. Priscilla says

    I plan to stay in budget by buying a credit card gift card for a certain amount of money and only use that gift card to buy gifts. If I run out of money, then I don’t buy the gift. It’s really effective.

  808. Nicole Bellavance says

    Shop at stoes like Walmart or Lowe’s . These stores either price match or beat the competitors price daily.

  809. Becca says

    I take advantage of Black Friday sales to stay within budget!

  810. Jen C. says

    I am baking some homemade cookies and treats to give as gifts instead of buying gifts this year!

  811. I made a priority list of people to buy for when I am within ten dollars of my budget I am going to stop any buy a box of cards for everyone else.

  812. kristi rowland says

    I make a list & set a price limit for each person.

  813. Starr G says

    Cash in the envelope method and shopping sales only

  814. Carla says

    I start shopping for next Christmas as soon as the after-Christmas sales start and shop all year long. Then I have nothing left to buy for Christmas because I already bought it.

  815. Natalie J Vandenberghe says

    I always stay within our budget. This year it will be much easier, tho, because I will be able to use many of the prizes I’ve won as gifts 😉
    Thanks for the giveaway.

  816. Kelly says

    Making a list will help me stay on budget this year!

  817. Jennifer R says

    I plan on helping myself to stay within a holiday budget by comparison shopping and shopping ahead to avoid last minute impulse buys. reejen at comcast dot net

  818. Amanda Caruthers says

    I plan on staying within my budget by making a list and setting an amount to spend on each person.

  819. Justine says

    I plan to stay within my holiday budget this year by doing my shopping online, mostly Amazon which offers not only the best deals but the best products!

  820. Janene Scarborough says

    I use cash for everything, and if you shop around online and like freebie blogs they post so many great deals, you can really score.

  821. Hope Holland says

    I set a budget and when its gone I rely on reward points and Winnings to make Christmas special

  822. ronda garnett says

    by paying with cash…no credit card debt for me 🙂

  823. Bridgett zaidi says

    Set a budget per person, make a list and stick to it

  824. Kat Emerick says

    I plan on staying within my budget by not buying extra stuff. I will stay with my shopping list.

  825. Robin says

    I always make a list and try to keep to the list as much as possible

  826. Julie L says

    I buy throughout the year-picking up items on clearance etc. I also ck out St. Vincent’s and Goodwill buy there theank

  827. Kenny F. says

    Stick to my plan and do it!

  828. alsvegas says

    we did most of our Christmas shopping through out the year when we had a few extra $ to buy a gift for family & a friend or 2, very tough year

  829. Honestly, we have been buying used toys and clothes and thrift stores. The are gently used and my kids never know the difference.

  830. We didn’t do a budget, but we decided to do four gifts for each child plus the stocking stuffers. Something they need, something they want, something they can wear, and something they can read.

  831. Lisa Garner says

    I try to stay in my budget my making lists of what I need and avoid impulse buying.

  832. Lee Black says

    I have a set budget and try to stay within it. I shop early for Christmas and shop around using the internet.

  833. Charlee Hall says

    I lost my job in November and I have had to borrow money just to get gifts so thats kind of how I did my budget for Christmas shopping.

  834. yes i woukd it

  835. amy c. says

    i shop through out the year and put stuff away

  836. Marie Conner says

    On a prepaid card I would load a certain amount (whatever is in my budget) and only do Christmas shopping from that card.

  837. John Joseph says

    by cutting back on eating out and things like that

  838. K Anne says

    We plan on staying on budget this year by only buying for the children.

  839. Marcella Cook says

    I always stay within my holiday budget by getting gifts throughout the years. I start shopping the day after Christmas, and put everything in a box in our closet. It helps because I’m not taking extra money out of the budget during the holidays.

    Marcella Cook
    emmerswee at gmail dot com

  840. mindy says

    by watching sales

  841. Candie L says

    I only bring cash. That way I cannot spend more than I have. Thank you

  842. brittany k says

    i look for the best sales and then go shopping to save some money!

  843. barbara hunt says

    Thanks for the great contest!
    bahjeep@aol.com

  844. I plan to shop online deals.

  845. peter gladue says

    cash only leave debit card home

  846. Chris N says

    I am doing a lot of closeout shopping. Tuesday Morning is my favorite place for unusual gifts at great prices.

    ezmerelda at mail dot com

  847. Katie W. says

    I’m a deal hunter! 🙂

  848. chastidy says

    Im staying on budget by using cash only 🙂

  849. Michelle I (MidniteEcho75) says

    I plan to shop around and not buy anything without checking on different prices for that item. I also plan on taking advantage of the sales, online shopping, and anything that helps save a bit of money.

  850. Deborah Lyle Line says

    I didn’t have a lot to spend this year so my tip is to buy throughout the year to be able to not spend so much at Christmas time

  851. shirley pebbles says

    I buy most stuff online so I don’t splurge with impulse buying.

  852. I usually stay within my Christmas budget. I give the same amount to everyone on my gift list with gift certificates to their favorite stores to my children and for the grandchildren I just buy the same amount in toys that they want. Thanks for having the contest!

  853. Lauren says

    We just made a decision about how much we would spend on various family members this year and have stuck to it. We’re also having family members visiting and stocked up on non-perishable food items when they were on sale/at a discount store so that we don’t blow our grocery budget!

  854. I make a list and try not to get any thing that is not on the list,

  855. Staci says

    We do not have credit cards so our spending is directly related to how much cash we have on hand to spend.

  856. Amberly Hale says

    I started this year’s Christmas shopping the day after Christmas last year and have been keeping an eye out and grabbing good deals all year long. It also helps that I spread out the cost throughout the year, so it’s not a huge hit to my bank account at the end of the year. It worked really well this past year, and I was done with my shopping before most people even started! Guess what I’ll be doing December 26th?!

  857. i think next year i’ll do more shopping on free shipping friday! for the most part, i find the BEST deals online with sales, coupon codes and cash back sites. i rarely shop in store – when i do shop in store i ALWAYS have used coupons, there’s no other way to shop in my book!

  858. Veronica Ward says

    I plan to stay in my budget this year by using only cash, so I don’t build up debt…thanks for the great giveaways!!!

  859. Michelle H. says

    It is hard for me because I have a huge family. But, I have managed to keep within a budget this year. I have found deals on items I think everyone will like and have had to avoid the higher priced items, such as the Kindle (although, I really want one for myself!).

  860. tara moncrief says

    i plan to stay on budget this year because i absolutely cannot afford to go off budget… i only buy absolutely great deals. if it is not within my strict price range i will not purchase it!

  861. Charlene Kuser says

    I plan on staying within a holiday shopping budget this year by shopping the sales ads,making lists ,using coupons and rebates.
    Taking cash only and leaving my credit and store cards at home

  862. Rachelle Codd says

    Well this year I am learning so much about what is important and what isnt. Ive always been able to spend money for the holidays with out too much worry about budgets….Now that I am unemployed, single and do not get child support it is scary to not be able to just buy your children what they put on their Christmas wish list. I am trying my best to be creative and resourceful with extremely limited income…and through this holiday season I am learning just how important it is in the future to not overindulge and teach my children to give, whether it is volunteering your time, prayers and/or financial assistance to those less fortunate…that is what Christmas is all about.

  863. Make a list and stick to it

  864. Sierra Nichols says

    I started shopping for christmas way back in september and just bought an item here and there for my daughter.

  865. natasha h says

    I only bought small trinket gifts.

  866. meme says

    I have a very small amount put aside so I have to be very thrifty this year. I plan om looking for sales and buying closer to Christmas where you can fimd higher discounts on things like clothes and seasonal items as well as toys

  867. Erica Best says

    shopping online

  868. Michelle Spayde says

    I stick to a list