Dollars and Sense Sundays, 3

So...this has become more of a monthly article then weekly. but here is another tip for you on the journey to saving money.


When holiday shopping wait until the day after, or a few days after the holiday to purchase things that are sustainable for the next year.  Even though we do not have children I still like to have egg coloring kits around the house when we spend time with friends and family.  The best way to purchase this is a year in advance.  Yes, it may not be the next greatest thing out there, but it is still going to do the job - at a fraction of the price!  Easter baskets do not change much from year to year, and you can always get plastic eggs to plan ahead for next year's Easter Egg Hunt!

Halloween is another great example. I purchase costumes (for my cats) after they go on clearance to 70% - 90% off the original price.  This allows us to take part in the holiday, have some fun, but not spend a crazy amount of money.


And at every holiday I purchase candy within a few days to get the best price.  M&Ms are still M&MS no matter what color they are, so I may as well eat red, pink and white ones at half price from  Mid-February into March, rather then full-priced, full-colored M&Ms.  Same goes for almost every type of candy out there.  My favorite after-holiday candy purchase was the soft peppermint sticks, that my husband loves, that I was able to purchase for $0.10 per bag - and they don't expire until 2014... guess what he is getting in his stocking next year!?!


What about holiday cards?  A great day after purchase, and you will have a different selection from those who purchase their cards the year they give them.  If you do happen to give someone the same card they received the year before the chances are that they will not remember it anyway!


What are your favorite holiday saving tips?