SHOPPING-GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MONEY
Get gift receipts. Without a gift receipt if someone returns a gift you got them they'll most likely get back less money than you spent. You used your hard-earned money to purchase their gift. A gift receipt will make sure they'll receive the full value.
Use gift registries. Gift registries are no longer just for weddings and showers. Anyone can set up a registry directing those purchasing the gift to a truly desired item. This can save you the guesswork and time aimlessly searching for the perfect gift. Why hassle with getting a gift they won't like? At the very least you will have wasted your time and if it is something they can't return then you also wasted your money.
Take advantage of simultaneous giving and getting. Magazine subscriptions are the perfect example of a gift that allows you to give and receive. Many magazines offer deals this time of year that allow you to give a free subscription when you purchase one. You can take care of a few names on your list by doing purchasing magazines you'd get anyhow.
Use cards that earn rebates. Putting your purchases on a credit or debit card that earns rebates or rewards is a great way to make your money work for you. You can earn discounts on grocery purchases, travel or fuel. Many grocery stores even sell gift cards for other retailers. If you know you'll need a gift card to the bookstore, check out the grocery store first. By using your grocer's card the money you spend will go even farther. Just make sure you are using these cards wisely and paying off the debt each month.
Use credit. In some cases using credit wisely can actually save you money. You can find many offers that allow you to defer payment (interest free) for a number of months. If you can use these credit opportunities wisely you can spread the cost of your holiday purchases out over a number of months. This may help you avoid taking out additional student loans to pay for living expenses, which saves you money in the end. But, again, the key is using the credit wisely and paying off that debt by the due date.
Give to charities. Do you need a gift for someone who has everything? Consider making a donation to a charity in their honor. Why waste money on something they don't need or want? Besides getting a tax deduction for your donation you'll both be happy knowing that the money spent went to a worthy cause.