Thrifty Thursday - The Holidays Are Coming!

This week for my Thrifty Thursday post, I'm sharing tips about how to survive the upcoming holiday shopping season, without breaking your budget!

I know, it's only September, and Thanksgiving is two months away, with the holidays are three months away. If you start your game plan now, not only can you save money, but you can save yourself stress as well!

If you are in charge of hosting Thanksgiving and holiday dinners, start planning your menu now. While most "trimmings" will be on sale closer to the big date and you should wait for those, you can still find good deals on canned goods, and frozen veggies now. Don't forget napkins, disposable plates etc, if you also use those. By starting to pick up a few things now, you'll cut down on having the big expense all at once, and there are less possibilities of you forgetting a very important item. Budget, budget, budget - once you see your menu, gauge how much you will need to spend, and stick to it!

If you'll be exchanging gifts at work, school, or with family members, start creating your list now of how many gifts you will be needing, and ideas. For kids gift exchanges, start checking clearance aisles and end caps, and pick up a few things as you see them. If you are planning to do homemade gifts, it's time to get started on those projects! Make sure you have all the supplies you will be needing. check places like the Dollar Tree for craft supplies first, and then sign up for coupons from the big craft stores so you can use those for items like yard, frames, paint, etc.

Thrift stores are already putting out their holiday decorations now, so shop early for the best selection. Check here before heading to the expensive store for that centerpiece. And while you are at it, it's time to go through what you already have at home and decide whether you want to keep it or not - for any decorations you never seem to use, turn around and donate it back to those thrifts, or offer it up on Freecycle or Craigslist. Do you have three different Christmas trees and only ever use one? Yes, I'm talking to you - donate those two you don't use anymore. ;) As a bonus, you'll clear up some extra space!

Don't forget if you are planning to use rewards from your credit cards and points sites to get gift cards, now is the time to start cashing out! Many can take 8 to 12 weeks to arrive, and you'll want them to arrive on time so you can use them or gift them.