Last Minute Tips for that Holiday List

Still holiday shopping? Don’t break the piggy bank.

Last minute tips to tackle the rest of that shopping list!!

I bet most of you have finished your holiday shopping lists. It’s all in check, right? Holiday meal, wrapped presents, baked goodies, family and friends guest list, not! Wait a minute, have you forgotten anyone. Most importantly, are you looking for extra funds for the last minute items? Here are a few things I have done in the last few weeks to save money. I collectively found and saved almost $200 extra for holiday shopping. Here is how:

1. Take Inventory on Gift Card Balances
   Dust off the gift cards in the wallet. Surprisingly you might find more in your pocket than you originally thought. Can’t remember what you’ve spent on the card? Not a problem! On the back of most cards, there is an 800# or a website to get balance information. I checked through all my cards today and found a total of over $80 in balances from various retailers and Visa Gift Cards.
2. Return ‘em, Take ‘em Back
   Still haven’t returned a purchase you changed your mind on – hurry before the return policy time expires. I took back a few items I bought that were the wrong size, a curtain rod from Home Depot and misc items, total of $86. Cha-ching! Verify with each retailer, most return policy information can be found on the front of the receipt (Note: return lines were very short this weekend).
3. Coupon Clipping – Sunday paper & Online
   Check online for printable coupons and use sites like Coupons.com (a great place to start). The Sunday paper is perfect for coupons too but price comparisons as well. Several retailers will honor price matching with competitors. Contact their customer service department to clarify policy.
4. Change, Change, Change, Searching Under Cushions
   How much do you think you have hiding behind those couch cushions?  But, who likes to use change to pay for anything. The lovely bonus about some Banks and Credit Unions are the new change machines inside the local branch. Even better, NO rolling coins in wrappers and no fee to account holders!
5. Retailer Savvy, Join the Club & Get the Perks
   Doing your homework before you hit the stores can save you lots! First, check out discount sites like Fatwallet, Upromise, Ebates (all have cash back programs for online purchases).  I frequently use these forums for deal searches, discount codes, freebies and more. I have  earned hundreds in cash back over the last couple of years. Second, many retailers have rewards programs. Make a list of the stores you frequent  and sign up. Finally, when checking out online try Paypal or Google checkout. From time to time, they both offer discounts for orders over a certain dollar amount.
6. Comparison Shopping, Online versus Brick and Mortar
   Another reason to visit the store website before leaving – cross compare their OWN prices and verify stock. Week to week prices are adjusted and thankfully some places like Kohls will honor online prices in store (per their customer service department). Print the deal from the site, and take it in with you.  For example, I was looking for Wreck this Journal at Borders, in-store price $12.99 and online $11.65.

   Note to all the last minute online shoppers, some places (ie Sephora) are offering FREE second day shipping tomorrow for online orders (delivery by 12/24)! Check sites for further details on restrictions.

7. Look at Your Receipt, Check it Twice
   Skim your receipts and look for errors with duplicate charges and verify discounts were properly deducted. Especially with frazzled cashiers from the frenzy of holiday shoppers, errors happen. Luckily, the cashier caught his own mistake after he completed ringing me up yesterday. He thought he had not changed me for something, rechecked and realized he charged me twice for another item. He kindly corrected his own error. It was for $2.50 - it all adds up!

   Have you found any savings this month? Let me know!

   Happy frugal shopping all – Fru

Free online resources & tools:
Fatwallet.com
Ebates.com
Retailmenot.com
Coupons.com
Coupons.redplum.com
Coolsavings.com
Free holiday budget worksheets via Debt Diva

Thanks for the tip on the Sephora Free 2nd day shipping, Adriana!