Saving on the Tannenbaum

If you're like me, and enjoy decorating for the holidays, the Christmas tree is probably the focal point, and also the biggest expense.  If you're interested in saving money in general you probably already know to save your ornaments from year to year, and not rush out every year for the newest theme at full price.  We've slowly collected our ornaments over the years on clearance (often 90%), as gifts, or at discount shops.  And we've managed to have beautiful ornaments without wrecking the budget.  Plus, it adds sentimentality to the tree.

Then, of course, there's the cost of the tree itself.  Our first family tree was an artificial one bought at a garage sale, then another fake one from a family member.  Then, finally came the year that no matter HOW we used the lights, ornaments, and tinsel we just couldn't make it look nice.  So out we went and got a real tree.  It was beautiful!

Even with a real tree we found ways to save.   Sometimes there were rebates.  We often picked a slightly "sad" tree that cost less for the same size, maybe it had a side that was kind of flat (which we hid by the way we set it up or ornaments) or had a split trunk.  We also were careful to cut the bottom off and put it in water, and carefully kept it watered so we got our full use out of expense with a beautiful tree for a month or so.

A couple years ago we started having allergy problems with a live tree, and decided it was time to go back to artificial tree.  Honestly I was a bit worried how it would look and how much it would cost.  We ordered a sample pack of branches from Balsam Hill, some were really nice, but not that affordable.  Then I started going to all the stores in town to see what they had for what price.  We ended up going with a three piece tree on sale from Kmart, and we've been very happy with it.  It cost more than a real tree, but less than 2 years worth of real trees, and we've had it for more than that now, so it's a savings!!  Plus it saves time as it's pre-lit, and we don't have to water it and "time is money" haha!  Can you tell the tree is not real?  Of course!  But, once you light and decorate it, it is beautiful!  I think one thing that helps with a face tree is having lots of ornaments.

So, if you're trying to save on your holiday budget I would consider a fake tree over a real one, but there are a few things to consider:

1. Do you have a place to store it?
2. Is your family united to use a fake tree for at least long enough to make it a savings?
3. Do you have the money to buy one right off? (it's not going to save money if you have to pay credit card interest on in!)

If you decide to use a fake tree, I would suggest picking one or more you'd be happy with, then watch for a deal on it/them.  I've seen ones at Kmart 90% off before!!  Even if it's not exactly what you want, it might work for a couple years while you save up (from not having real trees) for a better one!

Thrift Takes Creativity ~ Words of Wisdom

When G. K. Chesterton originally wrote, "Thrift is poetic because it is creative; waste is unpoetic because it is waste," it was in the context of upcycling trash--using everything you can.  Upcycling does take creativity.  Being thrifty with a budget also takes a creative thought process.

I often say, "we need to get creative to lower our utility bills," or some other area of our budget.  When it comes to groceries a creative menu can go a long way in reducing weekly grocery budget. The use of sales, printable coupons and money saving apps for grocery shopping [like Ibotta and SavingStar] takes creativity in combining the three to create a perfect deal.

So the next time you want to work on saving money,  let your imagination run wild and see how creative thrift can be poetic.

Pinch the Pennies and the Dollars Will Follow ~ Words of Wisdom

Whether we want to save for a rainy day, an emergency fund, a special trip or just need to stretch the dollars in our budget, we must watch the pennies.  It's the little leaks in our plans that can sink them, and if we watch those pennies we will automatically watch the dollars.  So the next time you are evaluating a financial goal you have be sure to "take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves."

Finish the Journey By Taking the First Step ~ Words of Wisdom

A more accurate translation would be "The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet," which reminds me I am standing on the starting line of my goal and it's up to me alone to start the journey.  This proverb has helped me reach many a goal in my life, from money to health to organization.  Tho the journey ahead seems impossibly long, when I take that first step the end seems much closer and doable.

In the financial realm I think of it as "A journey of a thousand dollars begins with a single dollar."  Whether I am longing for a new outfit or a new car, I need to begin where I am standing by cutting expenses and tucking away that first dollar.  And by staying on track and putting one foot, or one dollar, in front of the other I can reach my financial goal.

So the next time you have a financial goal, remember a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and take that first step.  Then with one step dollar at a time you will reach your journey's end.

Don't Spend Money to Impress Others ~ Words of Wisdom

This quote by Will Rogers is a great reminder to think before we spend.  It is wise to set reasons why spending money is okay, such as it is a purchase necessary for life, a gift for a loved one, etc.  Then we ask ourselves, "Why am I spending money on this purchase?"  If the answer is not on our "reasons for spending list" we need to think twice before making the purchase.  Do you have ways to decide if a purchase is in line with your goals?

Stop Dreaming: Wake Up and Work ~ Words of Wisdom

Earning and saving money doesn't come by accident.  If all we do is dream of having savings, it will be just that, a dream.  To become a reality we must "stay up and work for it."  The harder we work, the sooner we will reach our goal.

Sometimes it just takes that first step to get us moving, like saving our loose change.  Then it often seems to snowball and our goal is met and surpassed.  So next time you are dreaming about having more savings or spending cash, wake up and start working towards your goal.

Watch for Budget Leaks ~ Words of Wisdom

Little expenses can ruin savings goals.  Getting in the habit of spending earnings on snacks, hobbies, entertainment, collections or any passion or desire we have can drain a budget and stop any effort at savings.  The only way to reach savings goals for the future is to deny ourselves something today.

I borrowed a book from the library years ago called The Millionaire Next Door.  I remember the author shared how stopping for a $5 fancy cup of coffee each morning verses drinking the free coffee at work or carrying your own from home, would make tens of thousands of dollars of difference in a retirement account.  Just simple savings without interest would come to $1250 a year (5 days x $5 x 50 weeks).  In just ten years

Inch by Inch ~ Words of Wisdom

One of my favorite sayings is "By the inch it's a cinch, by the yard it is hard."  It has helped me thru many a goal as it reminds me to break it down into manageable steps and it will be much easier.

I have also found it true when it comes to earning and saving money.  Two personal experiences are earning extra cash thru Swagbucks and paying off our home mortgage early.

Earning a Little Extra Cash Inch by Inch

Swagbucks is an online earning site that rewards members points called SB for different activities.  By the hour it is a horrible income, but by spending some spare time and working on it while I do other things (like typing this post, folding laundry, working in the kitchen, eating meals) It's a Cinch to earn $25 to $50 extra dollars each

A Penny Earned ~ Words of Wisdom

The saying "A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned" is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, but earlier versions are recorded.  Regardless of who first "coined" the thought, it is sound wisdom.  The best way to have more cash is to not spend all that you earn.

A simple and painless way to start saving is by throwing all of the change you receive in a jar.  When it is full put it into a savings account.  When it adds up to enough, invest it in a higher interest earning account.  You'll be surprised how quickly it grows and you'll have savings for a rainy day, a safety net for emergencies or an addition to your retirement account. Tip:  to help it grow even faster, the day you take it to