Although this idea isn’t a new one, I really like the idea of giving “want, need, wear and read” gifts each year for Christmas. I think it’s a great idea to not only help keep costs down, but to possible reduce some of the spoiling!
I’m wondering: How do you keep Christmas gift giving in check? Do you?
Checkout 51 is a mobile app that provides you with a list of offers (coupons) each week and then gives you cash back when you upload a photo of a receipt that proves you purchased products on the list! It’s like a mail-in rebate program except it’s all done on your smartphone! The Checkout 51 app makes it quick and easy to save on everyday products!
Currently Checkout 51 is only available for iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch but they’re working on getting something available for all smartphone users.
How it works
1. Open the Checkout 51 app to see this week’s offers (new every Thursday)
2. Buy any of the products on offer from any store in Canada and keep the receipt
3. In the app, tap “Upload Receipt” and snap photos of the receipt
4. When your account reaches $20, we send you a cheque!
Here’s a screenshot to give you an idea:
Check out the help section for more details on how the program works.
I think Checkout 51 is going to be fantastic for those of us that aren’t extreme couponers, but still enjoy saving on basic grocery purchases! This week, I even noticed a couple of offers that have manufacturer coupons available for extra savings!
Give Checkout 51 a try, I think you’ll really like it!
Christmas is usually a tough time to stay in check financially. With all the extra activities occurring, parties and of course the gifts, we could all use some help with keeping ourselves in check. Here are three tips that will help you resist holiday overspending!
Along with creating a budget for holiday spending, when you're limited to using only cash, you're way less likely to spend more than you have. When you're out of cash, you're out of excuses to spend.
Whether it's knit, baked, or glued, any gift you make not only feels meaningful to the recipient, it can also help keep you away from the major stores and malls. In turn, keeping you away from a lot of temptation to spend!
Check out the Homemade Christmas Gift series here on Simply Frugal for some great ideas to get you started!
Take a look at your calendar for the weeks leading up to Christmas and figure out all the activities, parties and gift exchanges you'll be attending that require you to bring something along. Think of everything you could do to prepare ahead of time so you’re not rushing and making unnecessary stops at the store, which could lead to unnecessary spending. Freeze some sugar cookie dough so it’s ready for that cookie decorating party or available to bring to a neighborhood party. Dig through your closet to find an outfit for the office party. Buy or make hostess gifts to have on hand for last-minute party invitations.
The more you put your cold hard cash to good use, have fun creating and plan ahead for the Christmas season, the less likely you are to feel the effects of your overspending in January when your credit card statements will be due to arrive! After all, now is the time to focus on celebrating the season for it's true meaning.
What are your tips for resisting holiday overspending?
Looking to add a bit of fun or class to your Christmas decor this year? Check out these 5 budget friendly DIY project ideas:
Make some beautiful Christmas tree snow globes by re-purposing empty canning jars!
For a neat twit on the typical Christmas village, try your hand at creating a vintage paper house village!
This snowflake wreath would be so simple and cheap since it uses only popsicle sticks, wooden disks, paint and optional glitter!
I quite like this Chalkboard Christmas tree art because you could easily use the chalkboard all year long!
Light up the outdoors or a dark corner in you home with these tomato cages wrapped in lights!
What sort of projects will you be making for your home this year?
I mentioned in an earlier post that Simply Frugal was featured in the November issue of Canadian Living magazine. I thought that the only way you were able to read the article was through the magazine itself.
But, my amazing Mom used her super search skills and found the article online at the Canadian Living website!
Go read some of my money saving tips at: Thrifty Living – How to save money every day.
So, I have to share my excitement 🙂
If you check out November’s issue of Canadian Living magazine (on page 98) you’ll find a little article with some details about ME and some of MY favourite ways to save money!! Crazy!
I had the privilege of talking with Patricia (months ago!) over the phone, about the website, how I started living the frugal lifestyle, my favourite ways to save money and so much more. It’s quite surreal to see this article in the magazine finally! It would really be great if you could check out the article next time you’re standing in the checkout line or if you happen to purchase the magazine!
In case you’re wondering, here are a few links that relate to the article:
