Holiday Money Saving Tips & Tricks

During the holidays it can be a super stressful time for many people especially when it comes to money.   As a professional organizer and concierge I am always thinking with my clients in mind and trying to be several steps ahead of the game. Here are some various holiday money saving tips and tricks that you can start implementing and trying to get ahead of the game.

Start buying gift cards now to use towards holiday gifts, events, etc. in November & December. Often times gift cards go on sale through different retailers around holiday times like Father's Day, Labor Day, etc. or you can double, triple or quadruple fuel reward points at certain grocery stores throughout the year. Buy gift cards early for places you know you will shop, dine or attend events for during the holidays so you are not as stressed out when it comes to the holidays.

Paying for certain holiday services early will often give you bigger discounts. Many holiday light companies in Houston offer discounts anywhere from 50-75% off if you get your lights installed at the end of October versus in late November and December. Just because you have them installed doesn't mean you have to turn them on. Also, some Christmas tree companies will give you a discount if you pre-order your Christmas tree early. Many photographers will offer discounts for holiday photos if you book early.

Go to training schools to get self-care services like hair, massage, etc. Many people like to partake in various self care services during the holidays to prep for events, relieve stress, etc. If you are trying to save money consider going to training schools that offer services like massage, hair, etc. to receive their services at a greatly discounted price. 

Always ask stores for discounts and to price compare. Many stores will price compare, take expired coupons, discount various items if a box is damaged and sometimes you can even add on a coupon after price matching for even bigger discounts. It doesn't hurt to ask, and the worst that can happen is the manager says no. 

If you are hosting a party and are serving guests buffet style, put filler foods towards the beginning of the line. Start off the line with foods in the front like breads, pasta, chips, egg based casseroles, fruits  & veggies, etc. These are often inexpensive items you can get from the store and people tend to fill up their plates a lot with foods at the beginning of the line and then they fill fuller so you can spend less and offer less portions on more expensive food items like meat, fish, etc. 

Utilize neighborhood Facebook groups for various services. Many neighborhood Facebook groups post that their kids are off from college, need a little extra cash, etc. and offer various services like babysitting, yard work, light hanging, assembling toys, etc. I have personally used many high school kids that help various home projects. It is inexpensive and great way to help them out.

ecomodernconcierge.com

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Eco Products

Beauty Heroes Box: This is currently the only subscription box that I get and love it. It is always full of all kinds of eco beauty products.

Vivo Bento Box: I have had these boxes for many years and they are perfect for any lunch, picnic or snacks on the go.

Reusable Sandwich Bags: These are great to eliminate the use, or as much use, of plastic baggies. They are perfect  for sandwiches, snacks and travel.

Reusable Lint Roller: No more tearing off papers. A lint roller that can be washed off and reused.

Mosquito Spray: My absolute favorite mosquito spray out there.

Essential Oils: I have been using essential oils for many years and love them. Theives, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg have been on heavy rotation this holiday season.

Clean Cubes: These are great to use for all kinds of things. Personally, I use them for organizing projects to sort and for recycling items.

Majestic Pure: I read many years ago that castor oil is great for lash growth and I really love this stuff because it comes with the wands.

Recycle Bin: I have had this recycle bin for some time now and love it! It is compact and matches our kitchen appliances. I labeled the lids aluminum, plastic and glass. Our paper is in another bin.

Baby Washcloths: I gifted these to a friend and they are perfect for an eco baby.

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser: Apparently I put this on my gift guide last year, so obviously I love it. I love almost all of Tata Harper's product. Worth every penny.

Eucalan Delicate Wash: I have been using this wash for years and it is great for all delicates and at less than $4 a bottle.

ecomodernconcierge.com

All photos from the links provided for each item