Holiday shopping

We Really Wish These Retailers Offered a Military Discount

12/20/2017 By Kimber Green

One perk of being part of the military community is getting a military discount. Sure it’s a small thing, but it goes a long way.

How many times have you asked for a military discount when you’ve been checking out at a retailer?

I love a great discount and I’m thankful that many establishments offer it. I don’t expect it and quite often I’m surprised by how many places do offer a military discount.

Michael’s use to only offer a military discount on Mondays, but in recent years this retailer has moved to offering it every day. Old Navy is now the same, offering a military discount every day of the week instead of just one. I would always end up there on the wrong day, so I am so glad they expanded the program.

We Really Wish These 20 Retailers Offered a Military Discount

Getting a military discount is wonderful, no matter where it is at.

There are plenty of retailers that offer a military discount, but there are many more that do not.

Here are 20 stores that we wish offered a military discount.

I did a bit of crowdsourcing and found that many military spouses said grocery stores. Everyone doesn’t live near a commissary so they don’t have the opportunity to save money that way. The closest commissary to me is 35 minutes away, which doesn’t seem far. It is however when you need to pop out for 1 or 2 things.

It would be nice if places such as Wegmans, Publix, Giant, Food Lion, Aldi and Winn-Dixie offered a military discount.

After grocery stores, the next most popular establishments military spouses wished offered a military discount were big box retailers such as Walmart and Target. Most of us spend plenty of time in these stores and spend countless dollars, whether on frivolous things or necessities. Imagine how much money we would save over the long run if a military discount was offered.

Along the same lines, many military families would benefit from a military discount at stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s. Now that’s where most of us leave our money behind. It would be nice if we left with more than just jumbo sized products. Having a military discount would allow us to go home with more money in our pockets too.

We would probably spend it on coffee though. You laugh, but it’s true. So many people stated that they wished Starbucks offered a military discount. I vote for that too.

I don’t want to know how much money I’ve spent on coffee. It was worth every penny though. Every move, every deployment, every time I’ve made friends with new military spouses coffee has been involved. It’s basically a lifeline.

Speaking of lifelines, Amazon is a real savior. How many times have you bought something on Amazon? Having Prime membership is worth the price, but it would be so much better with a military discount.

If students can get a discount and people on government assistance that have EBT cards can get a discount, then why can’t military families get one? It doesn’t seem like that should be out of the question. If they can extend a membership discount to certain groups, then they should consider extending it to the military community.

I suppose we can’t have it all, but we can dream. Some other retailers that were suggested to add a military discount include Best Buy, Walgreens, Hobby Lobby and Tractor Supply as well as many restaurants.

At some locations Best Buy offers a 10% military discount, but not all of the stores do. Walgreens is now a Tricare approved pharmacy so many military families will be visiting these stores. It would be great if they offered a military discount on products other than prescriptions.

While Best Buy and Walgreens are great, many families have taken to a more domestic approach to life, having chickens in particular, and would benefit from a discount at Tractor Supply. Tractor Supply offers a discount to farmers, but not to military families. They receive a lot of patronage from the military, so it would be nice to get something back.

It would also be fantastic if every restaurant offered a military discount. A lot of military spouses said they would really appreciate that. Restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin and some Hard Rock Cafes offer these discounts but it would be nice if all of them did.

Getting a military discount is wonderful, no matter where it is at. I never expect to get one and am always happy and surprised when one is offered. Some places only offer the discount to the active duty person so it’s really nice when it can be applied to all of us with a military ID card.

Did we miss your favorite retailer that you wished offered a military discount? Tell us in the comments section.

Spend Less on Your Family’s Must-Have Gifts with These Military Discounts

12/08/2017 By Meg Flanagan

‘Tis the season to give gifts. Showing your love and appreciation to friends and family with thoughtful presents is wonderful. Unfortunately, holiday giving can create a serious dent in your wallet.

Spend Less on Your Family's Must-Have Gifts with These Military Discounts

For many retailers, membership in either ID.me or Veterans Advantage is required to use discounts.

To save yourself a little money, grab your must-have gifts from stores that offer military discounts!

Stores Offering Military Discounts on the Must-Have Gifts This Holiday Season

Enroll in Military Discount Websites

Asking about a military discount at every store can take time. Scouring every online retailer’s website for military specials is overwhelming. Instead of wasting your time and gas on endless searches, enroll in ID.me. This is an all-in-one service for service members, first responders, teachers and students. With one log-in, you’ll have access to tons of great online discount opportunities. Best of all, ID.me is free.

Another one-stop-shop for military discounts is Veterans Advantage. This site has partnerships with many retailers and offers exclusive benefits for their members. It is free to join, but using many of the discounts requires a paid membership.

Note: For many retailers, membership in either ID.me or Veterans Advantage is required to use discounts.

Food and Flowers

Omaha Steaks: use your ID.me membership to verify your military status, then send steaks and tasty food to your friends at 10% off.

Hickory Farms: shipping to APO and FPO addresses is free, making it easier to send summer sausage to your family OCONUS.

1-800-Flowers: get your holiday bouquets at 20% off when you verify through ID.me.

1st in Flowers: claim 15% off your next floral arrangement when using the code USMILITARY

Godiva: gift luxury chocolate at 30% off through Veterans Advantage.

Clothes and Shoes

Nike: get your kids the must-have kicks for 10% off at official Nike stores, like Niketown and Nike outlets, when you show your military ID.

Old Navy: show your ID in store and save 10% off on cozy sweaters, fun PJs and brand new jeans when you shop in-store.

Professional Sports Shops: the MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA offer 10% to 15% off to military troops and veterans through ID.me.

Kohls: not every location offers a military discount, but it can pay to check with the on-duty manager just in case.

Babies and Kids

Disney: from holiday jammies to official merchandise, ID.me has several discount deals on sweet Disney merch.

Buy Buy Baby: splurge on the new baby in your life at a discount through ID.me.

The Children’s Place: stock up on essentials with a variety of discounts and deals when you verify online.

Crazy 8: let older kids show their personal style with discounts when you use ID.me.

HearthSong: use ID.me to get fun, classic toys for children for less.

Pottery Barn Kids: keep your child’s room functional and fashionable with 15% off in-store purchases.

DIY Gifts

Lowe’s: your resident fixer can get 10% off at Lowe’s when you also enroll in the MyLowe’s program.

Home Depot: from bathrooms to backyards, your home improvement projects can cost 10% less when you show ID at check-out.

Michaels: get art supplies and crafty things at a 15% discount when you show your ID in-store.

iRobot: using ID.me can help you save up to 15% on your next Roomba!

Jewelry

Helzberg Diamonds: put a little sparkle in your holiday season with 10% off jewelry.

Harris Jewelry: there are several tiers of specials and discounts when you purchase your special something through Harris.

Kranich’s: for those in the PA region, Kranich’s offers an unspecified military discount and promises exceptional customer service.

Zoara: military members can save 5% when you have an active U.S. military email address and use code USMILDISC.

Robbins Brothers: are you ready to pop the question? Save up to $400 when you purchase your engagement ring here.

Tiffany: don’t forget the croissants when you head to a U.S. store to pick out engagement or wedding bands at a 10% discount.

Tech and TV

Apple: Veterans Advantage members can take advantage of a 20% discount on select products.

Pro Sports Networks: get discount access to every game when use ID.me to sign-up for MLB, NFL, and NHL sports packages.

Travel and Experiences

Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards: this travel club is a free exclusive program designed to show appreciation to active duty, retired, Guard and Reserve. Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards lists special discounts that have been arranged exclusively for MilitaryShoppers members.

Sandals and Beaches: go all inclusive for winter break with a 10% discount at each of these sister resort chains. Bring the kids to Beaches or have an adults-only getaway at Sandals, all food, drink and many activities included.

Disney World and Disneyland: visit your favorite mouse at a discount when you use the Military Salute tickets. You can even score discounts on your hotel when you stay at Shades of Green or some on-property resorts.

Air Travel: members of Veterans Advantage can get deals on Southwest, United and JetBlue flights. For non-members or other airlines, it always pays to call a representative and ask about military discounts or perks. Often, military members or dependents will be allowed free checked bags and occasionally seat upgrades!

Cruises: hit the high seas with Carnival or Princess cruises at a discount! Other cruise lines, like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, offer discounts through ID.me and Veterans Advantage. You can also call a travel agent or cruise line representative to find out more details and offers on any trip.

Bush Gardens and Sea World: get your thrills and say hello to a turtle for free when you use the Waves of Honor program at Bush Gardens, Sea World and other parks.

Never miss a military discount by signing up for the Military Shoppers newsletter. Click here to sign up today!

Military Discounts on Everything You Need for Your Holiday Season

11/03/2017 By Meg Flanagan

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but those bills sure do pile up fast! Instead of pinching pennies, use a military discount to keep your budget in check.

Military Discounts on Everything You Need for Your Holiday Season

Here’s a list of military deals and discounts available to service members, veterans and military families.

Note: many deals require that service members, veterans and their family members verify their military affiliation through a third-party site, like ID.me or Veterans Advantage.

Food for Your Table

Omaha Steaks: use ID.me to save 10% on great steaks, along with other meats and sides.

Shari’s Berries: add something sweet to the table, near or far, with a variety of discount deals.

Peapod: save a little on the essentials and get everything delivered to your door. Holiday shopping never went so smoothly!

Cracker Barrel: no discounts are advertised, but several sources do note that a discount may be offered at the manager’s discretion. It never hurts to flash your military ID.

Boston Market: if you are enrolled in Veterans Advantage, you are eligible for a 20% military discount. Show your membership card to claim your discount and add a rotisserie chicken to your holiday menu.

Local restaurants: check with local restaurants in your area to see whether they offer any special deals or discounts to active duty troops, veterans or their families.

Stock Up on Socks (and Other Things)

Old Navy: known for jeans, tees and cozy sweaters, Old Navy offers a 10% military discount. Now your family will look super sharp for the holidays.

Aeropostale: get 10% off your purchase in store. Your teens and tweens will love the casual and cool styles.

Carters: get free shipping automatically on orders over $50, including to APO/FPO addresses.

Columbia Sportswear: snag your favorite sports gear at a 10% discount when you verify with ID.me.

Kohls: some locations offer a 15% discount to service members, veterans and families when you present your valid ID. Not all stores are participating, but it always pays to check.

Nike: get 10% off at Nike-owned stores, like NikeTown and factory stores, when you present a valid military ID. Now you can get those new shoes a little bit cheaper.

Under Armour: whether you purchase online or in person, snag a 10% discount. If you are ordering online, verify your military status with ID.me.

Sperry: get a 15% discount on their classic boat shoes and other quality gear when you verify with ID.me.

Send Your Love

1-800-Flowers: if you’re far from home, show you care with flowers. Save 20% when you verify your military status through ID.me.

1st in Flowers: get 15% off flowers when you use the code USMilitary at checkout.

Hickory Farms: families living OCONUS should share this deal with their family back home. Shipping to APO/FPO addresses is free!

Make Holiday Magic

Michaels: if you like to DIY, do it for 15% less every day when you show your military ID at checkout.

Joann Fabrics: when you need to redo your curtains or craft a cute tree skirt, get 10% off at checkout when you show your ID.

Take a Trip

Beaches and Sandals: if you’d like to escape to somewhere warm and sunny, where everything is included, look at this resort company. Beaches is perfect for families with children while Sandals caters to adults-only. Make sure you get your 10% discount by calling an agent to book.

Amtrak: skip the drive and save 10% on train travel. With routes all over the United States there may be a train station close to your holiday destination.

Carnival Cruise: get special rates on select cruises in the Caribbean. Check the calendar to find the best prices on a variety of staterooms.

Princess Cruise: you’ll have a little extra money to spend on board when you use the Military Cruise Benefit Program. Contact the cruise line or your travel agent to learn more.

Disney Parks: save on multi-day park passes to Disneyland and Disney World with Disney’s Military Salute.

Hotel discounts: most major hotel chains offer discounted rates for military troops and veterans based on per diem. Not all hotels will offer discounted rates or the same discount percentage. Be sure to inquire at your preferred hotel for discounted rates and availability.

This list is just a small sampling of possible military deals and discounts available to troops, veterans and their families.

You can access more benefits by joining Veterans Advantage, although there is a fee associated with membership. There are many Veterans Advantage exclusive discounts and deals, which could help your membership fee pay for itself.

ID.me is a free program that helps retailers verify your military affiliation.

Are you a person who loves a military discount? Sign up for the Military Shoppers newsletter to have deals and savings delivered to your inbox.

25 Reasons to Give Back This Holiday Season

11/18/2015 By Michelle Volkmann

When my sister-in-law asks for my kids’ Christmas wish lists, I sigh. I look around our living room and I see piles of toys that were once loved, but have since been forgotten. The kids don’t want to pick up their toys and put them away. And they are always whining for the newest and greatest toy that the neighbor has and they want. Desperately.

My sisters and I love to buy each other gifts. But around the holidays, there’s a mad dash to find a thoughtful, useful and personal gift when I simply don’t have the desire or energy to shop. I would rather be with my sisters than shopping for my sisters.

This Christmas I am considering a different approach to gift giving. Instead of using our money to buy, buy, buy, we could use our money that we allocated for our holiday gifts by making a donation to our favorite charities through the Combined Federal Campaign or CFC.

The CFC is the world’s largest annual workplace charity campaign and it is available to all federal employees, including service members. The CFC offers a convenient way to make a donation to your favorite charity through direct withdrawal from your paycheck. You can do a small amount every pay period or a one-time donation.

Haven’t heard about the CFC at your military installation?

You can connect with your CFC campaign here. The 2015 CFC solicitation period ends December 15.

Are you thinking about scaling down your Christmas budget this year? Are you considering a Christmas that is more about giving to others and less about giving gifts?

Here are 25 reasons why I’m considering giving gifts that give back this holiday season.

I don’t want the Black Friday craziness. The day after Thanksgiving I don’t want to be battling for an electronic device in a big box store. I want to be at home, listening to holiday music and spending time with my husband.
Giving is a teaching opportunity. When we donate money to charities through the CFC, it’s a teaching opportunity for our children. We can talk to them about children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical conditions and what a blessing their health is. We can watch videos on Make-A-Wish’s website so that the girls can see how their donation (instead of gifts) helps a child have their wish granted. Donating to charities, like Make-A-Wish is a teaching opportunity for gratitude and empathy.
Giving back helps me put my life in perspective. I like to tell myself that my children are ungrateful and I am not. But if I really listen to what I complain about (I want a bigger house, a new purse and top-of-the-line tablet), I find that I’m losing perspective on what’s important in life. If I’m not careful I focus on things instead of people. Making the decision to give a donation instead of buying a gift helps me remember that things won’t lead to my happiness.
Wrapping paper and I don’t get along. I really, really don’t like wrapping presents. It’s not my thing.
Buying less leads to a greener Christmas. The majority of the toys we buy our children aren’t manufactured in the United States. By buying less and trying to buy a few locally made items, we can help reduce our carbon footprint this holiday season.
This gift won’t break, tear or need batteries. Aren’t we all disappointed when a toy doesn’t last more than few months? When we give the gift of giving back through the CFC, we know that this gift won’t be tossed in the trash. This gift will be making a difference in someone’s life.
We don’t need anything and others do. We have life’s necessities and more than a few luxuries. Instead of getting more stuff, we can give more to others who need it more than we do.
Making donations through the CFC empower us when we feel powerless. When I watch the news, my heart breaks. I see children who need help. I see women who need help. And I feel powerless to help. I want to be right there in Nebraska after a tornado serving food to families who lost their homes. But I can’t; instead I make a donation to the American Red Cross. Supporting organizations that help people after natural disasters helps me not feel powerless.
There are no shipping costs. I like to shop online so I spend a small fortune on shipping fees to get presents to my family during the holiday season. This year, when I make donation to the CFC instead, I won’t waste money on shipping fees.
My donation is a thank you gift. Thank you USO for offering my family a place to relax and recharge when our flight was canceled.
We can honor our family members who we miss this holiday season. Before he died, my grandfather, a Korean veteran, was able to take an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He was very grateful for this experience. This year, when I’m missing him and remembering the box of chocolates I used to give him every Christmas, I can instead make a donation to Honor Flight through the CFC.
One donation gives back all year. When you make a donation to an organization like Serve Our Willing Warriors, you know that your donation is helping ill and injured service members and their families throughout the year. It’s a gift that goes beyond December 25.
A donation is a one-size-fits-all gift. I don’t have to worry about sister-in-law returning this gift. I don’t have to worry about nephew already having this gift.
My gift can help a community close to my heart – veterans. Here are 21 military and veteran charities that I highly recommend.
Less stuff means less stress at PCS time.We know we are going to move again. It’s part of being a military family. When the time comes to move, I can get pretty stressed out with all the stuff we have and trying to make it fit in the new house. With less stuff, my stress levels aren’t as high when I unpack after a PCS.
Gifts that give back reduce my guilt. I would love to volunteer with a few organizations that I really love, but right now, I don’t have that time. (I’m looking forward to doing that when I retired.) Since I can’t give my time, I can give my money and stop feeling guilty about not volunteering.
These gifts aren’t hard to find. When I was a child, I wanted a Cabbage Patch doll like every other 5-year-old in the early 80s. But unlike every other kid, I didn’t get one. They were sold out everywhere.
Gifts that give are the perfect gifts for that person who has everything. You know that person (cough my husband, cough) who has everything and you still feel obligated to give them a gift. Skip the jelly of the month club membership and make a donation through the CFC instead.
I could be done with my holiday shopping today. I’m always annoyed when I see a friend post on Facebook on October 15 “already done with my holiday shopping, now I can concentrate on what really matter this holiday season.” Meanwhile, I don’t even start thinking about the holidays until after Thanksgiving dinner. With a few clicks on the CFC website, I could be done with my holiday shopping. It’s so tempting.
There’s not a temptation to overspend. Every year, I make a holiday gift budget and I vow to stick to it. Then I’m shopping and I get excited about everything I see. My budget goes out the window. When I pledge donations through the CFC, I stick to my budget.
No more waiting in lines. Every December I waste a lot of time standing in line. Standing in line at the store. Standing in line to take a photo of my kids with Santa. Standing in line at the post office.
Take the competition out of Christmas. Even when my husband and I pledge to not buy each other gifts, I get sucked into the holiday competitive spirit. I want to give him some amazing gift to show how much I love him when in reality his love is a gift to me.
Gifts that give back help my military family. We know that for many military families this time of year isn’t the happiest time of year. Organizations like Trees for Troops help military families by providing free fresh Christmas trees to service members and their families. Another option is Snowball Express. This charity provides “hope and new happy memories to the children of military fallen heroes who have died while on active duty since 9/11.”
These gifts help us to never forget. Through the charity, Wreaths Across America, we placed wreaths at the tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery 3 years ago. This event was the perfect opportunity to talk our children about remembering and honoring those who came before us.
I want to celebrate a meaningful Christmas filled with experiences, not gifts. When we talk about past Christmases, my kids never remember the toys they unwrapped. Here’s what they remember:

Putting out reindeer food on Christmas Eve
Going to the Nutcracker ballet with their cousins
Watching The Sound of Music while snuggled under blankets
Sledding with their friends at Lake Tahoe

This year, I hope that I can give my children a meaningful Christmas once again. I hope this Christmas will be a time of reflection about what we have instead of what we think we need.

Has your family stopped giving gifts for the holidays? How did you do it?

Commissary Congestion: 5 Faux Pas That Disrupt Grocery Shopping Harmony

12/10/2014 By Rachel Tringali Marston

My husband and I do our grocery shopping at the commissary. We’re close enough to the post and we see a lot of benefits to shopping there, especially as newlyweds.

Now at the height of the holiday season, the commissary has been getting noticeably chaotic. With all the craziness, it’s easier for people to get short tempered and frustrated. But, let’s not forget what the holiday season means to us. It’s a time to be giving and kind.

As we shop in the commissary there are a handful of unwritten rules that keeps our shopping experience in line.

Instead of dismissing the shoppers that are committing commissary faux pas, refer to the spirit of the holidays and shop in harmony. There are ways to make sure your commissary experience doesn’t turn into a battle.

Faux Pas #1: Wearing Pajamas, Spandex. There is a dress code for shopping on base or post. My husband shared it with me early on when I suggested that we swing by the commissary right after a workout. It’s frowned upon to show up wearing work-out gear as well as pajamas or other risque clothing. Because there are rules, doesn’t mean everyone will abide by them. I always find someone wearing sweatpants or pajamas at the commissary. Well, I have no right to snicker at them or turn my nose. I have no idea how their day went. We’re all in the commissary on a mission. No need to get judgemental. We’ve all had rough days.

Faux Pas #2: Weaving Around the Aisle. When you decide to shop at the commissary, it’s a given that it will take time. My husband and I plan our trips, so we can make the best use of our time and I always walk in with a list. There is always somebody rushing back and forth between the aisles. As a result, that person is making it a bit harder for others to navigate. I practice the rule of the road and leave my cart and drive to the very right. If I need something to the left, I leave it there and just move myself to grab the item.

When we all stay right, it gives the speedracers some room and we all benefit.

Faux Pas #3: Hovering over the Ground Beef. Meat at the commissary is cheaper than other groceries stores and there is always a good amount of people in the meat section. After my father separated from the military, my parents would still make the trip to drive on-base to stock up on meat (weird, I know). The worst is when people would just stand at the same spot for what seems like forever. Instead of getting heated, take a deep breath and kindly ask to reach over or if they seem like they need help, open your mouth and see if there is anything you can do. A little goes a long way, so pay it forward.

Faux Pas #4: Ordering Countless Pounds of Deli Meat. There is always someone in line at the deli counter. My husband dreads going, but he loves his turkey and ham sandwiches for lunch. It’s really a struggle to get him to wait because he gets so impatient when there someone ordering 10 different kinds of deli product and having them slice pounds and pounds of it. Well, you gotta do what you gotta do. If he wants his sandwiches, he’ll have to wait. So, we tag team to make sure we get the most out of our visit. I continue checking off the items on our list, while he’s there. Also, our commissary pre-slices certain meats and cheeses for smaller families, so we’ll opt to do that sometimes.

Faux Pas #5: Shopping with Your Troupe of Kiddos. My husband and I don’t have children yet so, I can’t really relate with the moms and dads that have to bring their kids to the commissary. From my experience, I’ve had to dodge running toddlers and weary parents as they try to do their grocery shopping with kids. I take things with a grain of salt and understanding. I can’t imagine how difficult it may be to arrange childcare and then have to be responsible for groceries for your family. I’m sure the parents of the world get it and us disgruntled newlyweds have to exercise our patience.

How do you handle the longer lines and congestion at the commissary during the holiday season?

Reduce the Festive Debt: 6 Ways to Not Overspend During the Holidays

10/27/2014 By Julie Provost

The holiday shopping season is here! Whether we like it or not, military families need to start thinking about the holidays. This time of year can be really stressful for people, especially if you are on a tight budget. So what can you do about it?

6 Ways to Avoid Overspending During the Holiday Season

Write out your budget and stick to it. I do this ever year. I write out everything we need to purchase from what we will eat on Christmas Day to the teacher’s gifts. On this list, I write down a spending limit on each gift for everyone. Then, when it is time to go shopping, I know what my budget is. The amount you spend on each member of your family will be different for everyone depending on your income and budget.
Share a meal with friends. When you are a military family it might not be feasible to spend the holidays with extended family. Instead of having a meal for just your family, why not get together with others to make a meal together? You won’t have to buy every single ingredient and you will be able to save a little money that way. It is also nice to spend time with friends if you can’t be with your family during the holidays.
Shop the sales. When it comes to buying presents for my kids I am all about the sales. I start checking them early. I want to be able to find the things I want for a discounted rate. I can save a lot of money this way, it just takes some time to figure out which stores have what toys on sale and when they are offering their discounts. You might also consider layaway. This is when you save an item at the store and pay a little bit on it each time you go in. You can take it home when you have paid for it in full. This might be a much better option than putting something on a credit card and trying to pay it off after Christmas. Check if your favorite stores offer this plan.
Make homemade gifts. You can bake some yummy goodies and give those out at gifts too. It is really cost-effective to do this and can be a lot of fun. Most people really enjoy baked goods around this time of year so you can’t go wrong there. If you don’t like to bake but are crafty, there are a lot of different things you can make as gifts. Take a look at the MilitaryShoppers Pinterest boards for ideas.
Stay home. For the past several years we have not gone anywhere for the holidays. The price of airfare is way too high. It would really blow our budget. We have been able to have a nice family Christmas in our own home and it has been great. Our kids wake up in their own home and we don’t have to go anywhere all day long. This isn’t always an option for everyone but there is something nice about a simple Christmas at home and it will save you a lot of money in travel expenses.
Pick a name. My family is quite small so we don’t do this but I think it would be a good idea for large families. Out of all the adults in the family, you buy a present for 1 person. You get assigned a name and you buy for that 1 person. It can be a fun way of giving for Christmas without having to buy something for every single person in your family.

The holidays can be a stressful time but they don’t have to be. Try some of these tips to keep your budget under control during this time of year. You will be thankful you did when the credit card statements arrive in January.