If you use pump soap dispensers for hand washing, wrap a rubber band on the lower half of the pump.  Then, when you and the kids press the plunger, it will only go part way down.  Resist the urge to “double pump”.  An amount about the size of a dime will do the job really well, and you’ll use ½ as much soap in each bath and the kitchen.  Put $5.00 in the tin.

Tonight after dinner, check out the Christmas fund in your tin as a family.  Does everyone have at least one wish inside?  If not, remind them they need to “not” purchase something, and then put the savings and a wish in the tin.  If several of you don’t have wishes in the tin, then you need to rededicate to the whole concept.  If I’m doing this properly, here is a link to the information.  Start a Fund and Wish List 

Not only is this a great method of saving money for holiday purchases, but you will know what your children and spouse want.  No more guessing and purchasing the wrong things.

There are hundreds of little ways your family can save money.  Every one by itself may only save you a few dollars, but as you begin to put those few dollars into your Christmas fund, you’ll be watching them add up at an amazing rate. 

The real key to having a year of credit free holidays is to stop using the credit card.  I cannot stress this enough.  Every time you add a purchase to your credit card and don’t pay the balance in full at the end of the month, you are throwing away money.  You might justify your purchase by claiming it was on sale and telling yourself you saved a bunch of money.  But, you need to look at the effect of interest charges on paying minimum balances on your credit purchases.

Let’s say you purchased an outfit that you got on sale for $30.  The regular price was $60 so you saved $30.  Based on national averages, by adding a $30 purchase to your credit balance and paying the minimum payments every month.. even if you never use the credit card again, it will take years before that $30 purchase is paid off.  During that time you will pay the lending institute well over the $30 in interest.  If you continue making purchases on the credit card, you’ll end up paying about twice that in interest. 

Now you need to ask yourself if you would have bought that outfit if the price tag was $90?  Probably not, but if you charged it, that is what you’ll likely pay.  This kind of math just doesn’t make sense to me. 

Every time you take your credit card out to pay for a purchase.. whether it’s for a special dinner, a hair cut, or a new outfit, mentally triple the cost of the purchase.  Most of the time, you’ll find it’s just not worth it.  Put the credit card away, and either pay cash or do without.  

If you retire those credit cards, you’ll need to be using all the tips in my blog this year to save your money. Use them as much as possible, and you’ll be adding coins and bills to your Christmas tin every day.

While you were picking up those Valentines Day bargains, you probably noticed items for Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and possibly even Easter.  Keep in mind, that Mardi Gras colors are green, gold, and purple.  Green and gold are absolutely great Christmas colors, and purple is on every little girls favorites list.  Don’t buy now, though.  Wait until the day after each holiday, and go purchase then.

Visit your favorite discount stores today, and pick up some of those pre-packed valentines leftovers.  They’ll be at least ½ price, and some of them make great stocking stuffers, or birthday presents for your children’s friends.  I usually get several of the little jewelry sets from places like Walmart or Target.  They cost about $8 before Valentine’s day and are as low as $2 after.  You’ll find the biggest reductions on items in heart shaped boxes or baskets.  You’ll also find bath sets for men and women, socks and boxer shorts with hearts, and other items that have heart decorations or are in predominately red packaging.  As long as it doesn’t say Valentines Day, you’ll find great Christmas gift items.  Red is a Christmas color.  Add a green accent, and a Valentine’s gift becomes a Christmas gift.