Ideas to make a little money go a long way

Hi! For me when I need to make money stretch a bit further, I find myself relying on myself; baking and just being better with the coupons. If you are careful, you can go to some stores on certain days to double on the coupons or perhaps get a buy 1 get 1 free deal (if not both). Just be careful and only get what is really needed and what will be used. It may take a while but the savings do add up. The other thing you can do is perhaps bake for a few people. Do they have any preferences that you could accomadate just by making a few changes? Can you do a few recipes reliably that don't cost much? Many do prefer a gift from the heart as it matters and it's always something you can build on if you really enjoy baking or something else you can do with your hands. Best of luck!

Do presents have to be brand new? They can be second hand and still be in great condition and look brand new. How about hitting yard sales, estate sales, second hand stores, thrift stores and consignment shops? Try dollar stores. Try having your own yard sale so that you can raise a little money for Xmas. You might not make a lot but you might make enough to cover Xmas. I know that you have some financial problems from some of your previous postings. You may be able to get some Xmas assistance for your immediate family from one of your local social service agencies, outreach agencies and non-profits. In Austin, we have the Christmas Bureau, Brown Santa and Blue Santa among other agencies. How creative are you? Can you make things? How about cooking or baking? Can you bake for others? I think that homemade food and baked goods is always appreciated.

I agree with others that making at least some of the gifts is a good way to go. Most people possess talents that can easily translate into nice gifts for recipients. I would suggest taking a look at sites such as Pinterest and Gojee (food and beverages) for inspiration. Another idea is to hit a book sale (even better if it is to support a good cause!) and pick up some good books. Recently, I was at a book sale where I found a copy of A Wrinkle in Time with the same cover as the copy of the book that I first read; I was thrilled with the find. Something like that can really make a person happy--especially if the person is a bibliophile like me. Of course, a book sale or used book store is also a great way to help build up a kid's personal library; for a few dollars, you could easily have a dozen or more children's books--possibly in like new condition. You could take a look at sites such as Etsy for fun, low cost gifts. There is also the site Listia where you can use credits instead of cash to get things.

Thanks for sharing in details, we must spend money wisely. I am hindu, christmas is not our festival, but i have christian friends here in city and abroad, i will give gifts to them. Our recent festival was Dussehera, i gave gifts to my relatives and family members worth 30,000 rupees. The next one coming is Diwali; i will be giving gifts again; i know all my pension money will go; but i will do this.

We are don't have that much money for this Christmas this year at all. So we are going with getting everyone 1 gift for this Christmas. I would like to buy more things. But my bank account has the ablitly to save change and put it in to my saving account so I can try to have some extra money to get something extra for the kids if I can. Trying to also buy things off of Amazon and finding coupons and sales to get discount.

Well there is always the good old tradition of planning a good Black Friday shopping strategy. If I had kids especially I'd be out there in the cold with all the loney tunes for those hot deals. Also don't forget the other even that has started in the last few years Cyber Monday. Amazon had some pretty great deals last year. Also I've brought several things off ebay in the past. I wouldn't purchase just anything on there (like for example there are a lot of pirated movies of poor quality and cheap knock offs) but for certain things you get find some really great deals.

make as many gifts as you can. there are tons of ideas out there even for the non crafty! there are so many great recipes for foods in a jar, food like soups mixes, cookie mixes and i have even seen pie in a jar (on pintrest). i saw another idea that i really like and it was comfort in a jar. you could put lip balm, warm socks or gloves, some hot chocolate packets; well, you get the idea, all in a jar. these ideas will not help you make money but will possibly stretch it farther!

Do you give big or little gifts...are these for family or friends...? I make little things for everyone in my family...I give gift cards to my own kids and grandkids but a little something for everyone. Making a few of them does save money.

I have had alot of money problems this year here. Ive learned to go to the local swap meet here. People think swap meets are old items. But her ein Mexico they sell mostly new items there. And most are alot cheaper than at the store. Ive saved alot of money this way. So I will have a few extra bucks to spend on xmas this year. have a great day there.

Every couple of months or so, I clean out closets and the kids' rooms, and the house in general, and if I haven't used or need items in the past couple months or so, I sell it on Ebay. another thing I do, is look around at flea markets, yard sales, and second-hand stores to find items to sell. You'd be amazed at how much extra money you can get from either stuff of your own you consider to be junk, or at a second-hand store. One man's junk is another man's treasure! lol