“Tips to Avoid Credit Card Use During the Holidays” plus 1 more

Tips to Avoid Credit Card Use During the Holidays

Posted: 24 Nov 2011 04:00 AM PST

The Holidays are almost here, and with the season comes the annual need to purchase food and presents for friends and family. For many, the holidays become a time to rely on credit cards to make purchases, but it’s not necessary to use plastic to fund winter activities. Other options exist, including layaway, yard sale and lowering consumption.

Layaway has long been a way for shoppers to get credit at a specific store. Layaway is used to make regular partial payments on an item. The goods stay in the store until you’ve completely paid for them. Layaway can help you afford purchases if you have trouble budgeting or just want to pay a few dollars every pay period. If you want to use layaway for this holiday season, you should get started soon so that you can pay for your items by Christmas.

Another great way to supplement your income for holiday shopping is holding a yard sale. The average yard sale profits are around $600 which can offer a great pad for Christmas. This is also a great way to clean out items you don't want or use to make room for the new items you are expecting this season. Many also utilize yard sales for their holiday shopping, which will allow you to successfully sell the things you don't want anymore.

Donating plasma is a good way to earn extra income regardless of the time of year. You can make $50-$75 a week, and the process is not strenuous or painful. Most of your time will be spent sitting in a chair. You can read or watch television while your plasma is removed.

The holiday season is a perfect time to sell items on craigslist and eBay. Everyone is looking for good gifts, and you can help meet that need. Look for old items that you no longer need, and scour thrift stores for vintage items you can sell. A ethically dubious idea would be buying toys or electronics that have a limited supply, and reselling for more than you paid.

A frugal option is to find ways to spend less money for the holidays. You can hold a potluck instead of a full holiday feast and frame it as a way to increase family togetherness. You can offer handmade gifts. Everyone will appreciate home-baked cookies or pies. You could also give a gift of time; perhaps you have a family member who would like an exercise buddy or a tutor in a specific subject. Presents don’t have to be expensive to be appreciated.

Another possibility is getting a holiday job. Shipping and retail companies need holiday workers to handle the increase in consumer demand between Black Friday and Christmas. Holiday-specific needs like gift-wrapping or actors to play elves or Santa are a fun way to earn some extra cash. It will be easy for you to get a part-time job to supplement your holiday funds. You can take satisfaction in improving your family’s Christmas while knowing that your efforts at work are contributing to a wonderful Christmas experience for all the families who need the services your temporary employer offers.

The holidays present unique opportunities to earn money. Winter is the easiest time to get a part-time job or start selling goods online. Some of the money-making skills you pick up during the holidays can be used year-round, like donating plasma or using all of the spare change around the house. Regardless of which alternatives to credit cards you use, your holidays will be much better with these options.

Gina Patterson is a personal finance consultant and content contributor for Granite Card, a place to obtain a Credit card to rebuild credit for those who may find themselves in tough circumstances.

Dollar Matters: U.S. Thanksgiving Edition

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 12:24 PM PST

Because I’m American, and because there are quite a few U.S. readers of this blog, I thought it might be appropriate to do a Dollar Matters edition with U.S. Thanksgiving happening tomorrow. SO, even if you aren’t celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, take some to be grateful. A deep breath before the holiday season starts in earnest.

Bloggers for Charity

First, though, there are some Canadian bloggers participating in the Bloggers for Charity. This is definitely worth mentioning here, especially as the holiday season moves into high gear. Check out Boomer & Echo, Canadian Finance Blog and Retire Happy Blog for more on Bloggers for Charity.

Are You Going to Take Time Out this Thanksgiving?

Over at Personal Dividends, I write about how important I find Thanksgiving. Are you going to take a few minutes to recognize a day of thanks?

Health Alternatives to Thanksgiving Dinner

Frugal Zeitgeist offers a look at healthy options when it comes to Thanksgiving. It doesn’t have to be all high fat and high carb when it comes to Turkey Day.

Thanksgiving: Frugal and Fun

Enemy of debt takes a look at some of the fun and frugal things you can do on Thanksgiving. It’s all about quality time and family.

3 Frugal Thanksgiving Tips

Frugal Granola offers some interesting tips for making the most of your Thanksgiving. Some of them are a little surprising, but they sure make you think.

20 Things I’m Thankful for Thanksgiving

Out of Your Rut enumerates all of his blessings, and describes what he is thankful for this year.

5 Ways to Give More and Be Extra Thankful This Thanksgiving

Miss Money Bee shares way that you can give to others — and be more thankful in the bargain.

The Cost of Thanksgiving

Money Reasons takes a look at Thanksgiving, and how much it costs. There are more costs than you might think when it comes to the holidays.

What Are You Thankful for this Thanksgiving?

One Money Design shares a heartfelt story about Thanksgiving and blessings. What are you thankful for?

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