Genetically Thrifty Tips for Christmas in August

I’m sitting here in a parking lot, with a thermos of coffee, my laptop and a handful of reward’s points coupons. At 10:11, I’m midway on my watch, awaiting Staples opening at 11:00 a.m. There’s a computer on sale today I want for my younger kids as a Christmas present. I’ve been pricing laptops for weeks, and even bought myself a refurbished computer a few days ago. But this deal is too hot to resist. At $329.98, (with my rewards off and sale price) it’s in my holiday budget, if split between the two kids at home.  I plan $200.00 a child for Christmas and $100.00 for birthdays. This still leaves me thirty-five dollars each to spend on personal gifts for them (presents I will buy on eBay or clearance, as well as make for them). As I sit here, I think of the things I’ve done to stay on budget, while raising a family of five kids.
1. Set a reasonable amount for holidays and birthdays. Do NOT deviate from this amount. The temptation will come over you, but the idea is to become inventive in budgeting.  You will find sales, substitutions, have family members chip in, or learn to wait till the price is lower (the old fashioned way). I might spend an extra $5 or $10 if it’s a large ticket item, but I won’t go crazy. I know some people who drop a thousand bucks a kid. Sorry, that’s not me. You must act like this is all the money you have in the world when shopping. Make it count.  It might mean you go to a sale at midnight, just to get a deal or wait in line. On this particular purchase today, I called presale, and found out there are only 10 of these laptops available at my local store. (Hence why I’ve taken up residence here).  But my short time waiting in the parking lot saved me $150.00. Last I checked I don’t make that an hour.  Unless you’re Warren Buffett, it is worth your time to save money.
2. Have a designated amount to save- I save $37.50 a week, every week toward holidays and birthdays. Keep it separate if you need discipline or chuck it in your regular savings account. The important issue is to know it’s there and the dollar amount you are spending.
3. Shop early. I can’t stress this enough. There’s a pervasive sense of panic amongst shoppers when it’s close to Christmas. It’s easier to stay on budget if you are far away from this mindset. It’s August. In addition to this pending laptop purchase, I’ve already picked up an iPod Touch for a kiddo’s Xmas and birthday gift on eBay, (earning some eBay cash on that as well as picking up a refurbished one for $174.00). Her birthday is close to the holidays so I’ve combined the cost. It still means she gets $125.00 worth of Christmas gifts, and I’ve stayed in my $300.00 total year budget for her presents.
4. Be creative. This means learning how to comparison shop, using rebate points, obtaining a rewards credit card if possible, etc. If you shop early enough, some of your rewards can be applied toward Christmas, adding to your budget as “free cash.” Don’t be shy about giving gas cards as gifts if obtained from rebates, or use those CVS cash back rewards to buy stocking stuffers. Make gifts such as CD’s of music, DVD movies of family photos, handmade ornaments or baked goods. I’m making homemade jam and canning salsa for friends from the ample produce of my garden. Using Photoshop, I’ve created coloring books for kids out of memorable photos as well. Every year each of my children gets a “sentimental” gift I’ve made for them. Honestly, these are often the best and most talked about items. Last year, my oldest daughter returned the Leader Dog she was raising for its next round of training with sight impaired individuals. She was missing the puppy terribly. A clearance picture frame ornament with a photo of the dog tucked in was her favorite gift. (Cost, $1.99).  Go to the Dollar Tree or similar for stocking stuffers, too, you’ll be shocked at the deals.
Again, your mission in this is to stick to the budget, while getting the most bang for your buck.  This is not new to older generations, but it is to the boomers who don’t have a clue how to survive without the latest expensive gadgets. Saving money is not a chore,. It can be a passion.  And it can be fun. If you embrace it with enough zeal, your kids will be savers too. As I sit here in the parking lot, a car just pulled up, with more shoppers waiting to take advantage of today’s super sales. It’s my mom and dad. Proof thrift is genetic.