Be Thrifty Online.
If you have patience -- and a
keen eye for bargains -- then you'd probably do well
on virtual yard sale sites. There are a handful of sites
specific to the Fredericksburg-area where you can find
anything from mason jars to foosball tables. If online
bargain hunting isn't your bag, shop at goodwill stores,
consignment sales and church bazaars. What is used
and unwanted by one person is new and exciting to
you. Your children will be none the wiser and you won't
have spent the time assembling and hiding boxes!
Swap Books. Want to build your children's library
or have a booklover to buy for? Swap your previously
loved books for new-to-you books at paperbackswap.
com, titletrader.com, and bookmooch.com.
Prepare a Year in Advance.
Don't pay full price
for Christmas ornaments, trim, cards, wrapping paper,
bags and bows – my mother and I have a tradition
of getting up early on December 26 and scooping up
post-Christmas sales. I like to put away my deals with
the Christmas decorations and "unwrap" my finds next
year when I am ready to wrap instead of having to
run out and buy new over-priced stuff.
Celebrate Now, Exchange Later. Why
not schedule gift exchanges after the hustle and bustle of the
holidays? Retailers are looking to unload their excess
inventory at deep discounts. Use these price breaks
to your advantage and get great deals and steals at
a fraction of the cost. Your family and friends will be
none the wiser since you still gave them that perfectfor-them gift.
Grab your coupons, download your favorite store's
app, take advantage of free shipping, and put your
shopping "game" face on. With a little preparation and
budgeting, you should be able to have a merry little
Christmas and go into the New Year debt-free.
Nikki Ducas is a budget-savvy mom in Fredericksburg
who tries to give a lot on a shoe-string budget.
www.fredericksburgparent.NET 13
