3 Books on Debt and Saving to Consider

As we are at the end of one year and about to start the next I thought it would make sense to suggest some other reading that might help out with your understanding of how to reduce debt.  There is plenty of advice out there, these three new books look good though.

Here's to a great 2011 and hopefully an elimination of all your debts.

Spend a little time to save a lot of money! 

3 Mistakes To Avoid This Christmas

Christmas Day is so close now but all the retailers are doing their utmost to keep us spending our well-earned money.  Unless you have planned to buy something this late, and that can only really be food related, don’t be tempted.

Here are 3 mistakes you certainly want to avoid if you want to keep your cash in your pocket where it belongs.

Shop For Bargains

All the stores will stay open as long as they possibly can in the hope that they will be able to get you to part with your cash or add further to your credit card debt.  Sales may well have started early this year but if you go out without a strict plan it is so easy to be tempted.  Far better to spend some quality time with family and friends – after all, that’s what Christmas is for isn’t it?

On-line Shopping

If going out shopping isn’t for you then you may well consider checking out your favorite on-line stores.  Some are even starting their sales before Christmas day itself!  Avoid these like the plague – if it’s easy to be tempted to buy something in an actual shop then you know it’s far easier to just make a few clicks and your order will be delivered in a week or so – and the debt on your credit card will keep going up!!!!

Buying More Food & Drink

Even if you have family and friends coming to stay you don’t need tons and tons of extra food and gallons of drink.  By now you will have enough in already so if you suddenly think that you must go out and get some extra snacks or bottles then STOP and think again.  You don’t need it and chances are your friends will bring some food and drink with them anyway.

Christmas is a time to relax with family and friends and give your wallet and credit cards a break.

~~~ Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ~~~

Spend a little time to save a lot of money! 

Save On Christmas Wrapping Paper

With just over two weeks to go before Christmas Day chances are you have at least started buying some presents for friends and family.  But have you got your wrapping paper yet?
  
This is often an unseen cost of Christmas and it all goes in the bin on the day itself.  What a waste – of paper and money.

Why not save what you’d spend on the wrapping paper and put that towards the presents themselves?  You still need to wrap the presents, well most people want to, so here are a few ideas to make your own wrapping paper.

Recycle Old Envelopes

The large plain envelopes you get mailings in are great for smaller presents.  Just trim them off and use some colored pens to make any kind of pattern you want on them.  This is great for kids who love creating their own Christmas patterns and pictures. (Remember to take off any address labels or obliterate them with a thick marker pen)

Plain Brown Paper

You can make larger wrapping paper by buying a roll of brown paper from a hardware or stationary store.  Again, use large marker pens for your patterns or perhaps make some printing blocks in Christmas shapes – remember potato printing from school?

Paper Bags

Many presents and goods come in either plain or sometimes quite colorful paper bags.  Carefully take the bag apart, trim it and you have more wrapping paper that is unique to you.

Don’t be afraid that your wrapping paper won’t look as bright and shiny as some of the shop bought varieties.  It will have the personal touch and that’s what people appreciate most of all at Christmas.

Spend a little time to save a lot of money!