Comments on: Guest Post: Being Generous While Living on a Budget http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 25 May 2012 08:02:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: qgebsxbkoxj http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-301758 qgebsxbkoxj Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:58:53 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-301758 gscEsO <a href="http://udrdxhhrhwur.com/" rel="nofollow">udrdxhhrhwur</a>, [url=http://jtglqspzymxr.com/]jtglqspzymxr[/url], [link=http://bpoekngijujv.com/]bpoekngijujv[/link], http://mrtxsmexktdx.com/ gscEsO udrdxhhrhwur, [url=http://jtglqspzymxr.com/]jtglqspzymxr[/url], [link=http://bpoekngijujv.com/]bpoekngijujv[/link], http://mrtxsmexktdx.com/

]]> By: Katie http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215814 Katie Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:59:18 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215814 Great post - I totally agree with you. I use to spend a lot on cards and wrapping paper and now I buy them in bulk and in the sale. I now keep a list of everyone I buy for on a spreadsheet so that I know what I'm looking for in sales etc and can buy when I see something on offer. I also keep a stash of kiddies presents at the back of the cupboard for parties - this saves lots of money, time and effort. This year I decided instead of buying presents I would make them for my family as: they have everything they need; I wanted to give something more meaningful; and I wanted to learn some new skills. Expecting people to be really unimpressed by my feeble efforts I was some what overwhelmed by their delight. I knitted some gorgeous fluffy scarfs for my grandmas; make handmade chocolates for my friends; bath bombs and soaps for my mum and sister. I'm sure most of you do this already but if not I highly recommend it. My sister has just taken up sewing and has made me some great maternity clothes and baby stuff. I love, love, love handmade things. It also preserves those dying arts of knitting, crocheting, sewing etc. Great post – I totally agree with you.

I use to spend a lot on cards and wrapping paper and now I buy them in bulk and in the sale. I now keep a list of everyone I buy for on a spreadsheet so that I know what I’m looking for in sales etc and can buy when I see something on offer. I also keep a stash of kiddies presents at the back of the cupboard for parties – this saves lots of money, time and effort.

This year I decided instead of buying presents I would make them for my family as: they have everything they need; I wanted to give something more meaningful; and I wanted to learn some new skills. Expecting people to be really unimpressed by my feeble efforts I was some what overwhelmed by their delight. I knitted some gorgeous fluffy scarfs for my grandmas; make handmade chocolates for my friends; bath bombs and soaps for my mum and sister. I’m sure most of you do this already but if not I highly recommend it. My sister has just taken up sewing and has made me some great maternity clothes and baby stuff. I love, love, love handmade things. It also preserves those dying arts of knitting, crocheting, sewing etc.

]]> By: Heidi @ ggip http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215813 Heidi @ ggip Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:18:18 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215813 Good tips. I wrote a post on a similar topic recently. It also deals with charitable giving. <a href="http://godsgraceinpractice.blogspot.com/2009/02/encouraging-generousity-in-recession.html" rel="nofollow">http://godsgraceinpractice.blogspot.com/2009/02/encouraging-generousity-in-recession.html</a> Good tips.

I wrote a post on a similar topic recently. It also deals with charitable giving.

http://godsgraceinpractice.blogspot.com/2009/02/encouraging-generousity-in-recession.html

]]> By: Darla http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215812 Darla Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:12:48 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215812 Great post! One thing I have discovered for gift giving to adults...if you give a nice card (handmade) and learn a few little "tricks" on how to present a small gift well, they love it, if only for the 'wrapping'/presentation! And all that takes is some paper! I usually keep a stash of Ghirardelli chocolate squares or something on hand and package them nicely for a small gift (seems to be lots of friends at church etc, where I want to acknowledge their special day, but there is no party and a 'real gift' might be a bit over board.) Anyway, just another way to brighten someones day without breaking the bank! Great post! One thing I have discovered for gift giving to adults…if you give a nice card (handmade) and learn a few little “tricks” on how to present a small gift well, they love it, if only for the ‘wrapping’/presentation! And all that takes is some paper! I usually keep a stash of Ghirardelli chocolate squares or something on hand and package them nicely for a small gift (seems to be lots of friends at church etc, where I want to acknowledge their special day, but there is no party and a ‘real gift’ might be a bit over board.) Anyway, just another way to brighten someones day without breaking the bank!

]]> By: Dorothy Gardiner http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215811 Dorothy Gardiner Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:03:41 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215811 I use my airmiles to either buy gifts, or make a charitable donatation and notify the recipient (about the charity, not the amount). I don't give Christmas gifts. I choose a family charity and contribute whatever amount I have available. No wrapping or mailing costs, no deadlines. Then let family members know via their Christmas card. One gift helped build a fence for a South African orphanage. A friend there sent us pictures of the fence in progess and the children... which I shared with my family via email. I use my airmiles to either buy gifts, or make a charitable donatation and notify the recipient (about the charity, not the amount). I don’t give Christmas gifts. I choose a family charity and contribute whatever amount I have available. No wrapping or mailing costs, no deadlines. Then let family members know via their Christmas card. One gift helped build a fence for a South African orphanage. A friend there sent us pictures of the fence in progess and the children… which I shared with my family via email.

]]> By: Ann http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215810 Ann Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:31:30 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215810 One year at Christmas, my parents said that they didn't need anything but you just have to give them something. So I headed to my stockpile of boxed and canned food items, toiletries, and cleaning supplies all bought on sale and with coupons. In all, I was able to fill 5 boxes with items that my parents would use (Dad did most of the cooking, cleaning, etc. as he was taking care of my mother with Alzheimer's) plus another box with frozen food items, including homemade lasagna. My husband asked me if I realized how much I had given them so I asked him if he realized how much I HADN"T spent!! :) I have also used my cleaning supply stockpile as wedding shower gifts for the new bride. I also stockpile glass-blown ornaments and other Christmas items for my nieces' and nephews' weddings to come so they have something for their first Christmas. All have been wrapped and a note left for my husband as to how to assemble the gifts (if something happens to me - I know what you are thinking). I also have stocked up on Baldwin brass ornaments at at least 75% off at after Christmas sales to give to my nephews and their wives at Christmas. I already wrapped them since I had the paper out and put post-a notes on each as to what & to whom. I think I have the next 8 years taken care of. All my gift purchases are paid for with my "coupon savings" kitty that I add to after my weekly shopping. This year so far I have saved over $1000 with coupons - what a year!!! One year at Christmas, my parents said that they didn’t need anything but you just have to give them something. So I headed to my stockpile of boxed and canned food items, toiletries, and cleaning supplies all bought on sale and with coupons. In all, I was able to fill 5 boxes with items that my parents would use (Dad did most of the cooking, cleaning, etc. as he was taking care of my mother with Alzheimer’s) plus another box with frozen food items, including homemade lasagna. My husband asked me if I realized how much I had given them so I asked him if he realized how much I HADN”T spent!! :) I have also used my cleaning supply stockpile as wedding shower gifts for the new bride.

I also stockpile glass-blown ornaments and other Christmas items for my nieces’ and nephews’ weddings to come so they have something for their first Christmas. All have been wrapped and a note left for my husband as to how to assemble the gifts (if something happens to me – I know what you are thinking). I also have stocked up on Baldwin brass ornaments at at least 75% off at after Christmas sales to give to my nephews and their wives at Christmas. I already wrapped them since I had the paper out and put post-a notes on each as to what & to whom. I think I have the next 8 years taken care of. All my gift purchases are paid for with my “coupon savings” kitty that I add to after my weekly shopping. This year so far I have saved over $1000 with coupons – what a year!!!

]]> By: Erin {PlinkPlink} http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215809 Erin {PlinkPlink} Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:14:21 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215809 Not only is last-minute shopping more expensive, but if you have to mail your gift to its recipient, last-minute SHIPPING is REALLY expensive. I use Birthdayalarm.com to send me an e-mail a week in advance of a friend or family member's birthday. That way I can usually send my gifts via regular mail (vs. priority or two-day). Thanks for the great post, Katie! Best, Erin Founder/Editor PlinkPlink: Moms Talking About Money <a href="http://www.plinkplink.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.plinkplink.com</a> Not only is last-minute shopping more expensive, but if you have to mail your gift to its recipient, last-minute SHIPPING is REALLY expensive. I use Birthdayalarm.com to send me an e-mail a week in advance of a friend or family member’s birthday. That way I can usually send my gifts via regular mail (vs. priority or two-day). Thanks for the great post, Katie!

Best, Erin
Founder/Editor
PlinkPlink: Moms Talking About Money
http://www.plinkplink.com

]]> By: Melonie K. http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215808 Melonie K. Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:29:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215808 Make sure to check the "Dollar Spot" at Target too. I do little gift boxes of "fun things" to send to a friend in Germany, and it's a good place to pick up a handful of little things. I've also gotten baby hats and socks there that I liked. (Check for quality, of course, not all of it is that great - I look things over closely.) Here in Japan we have the 100 Yen store, which is basically like a dollar store but better stuff than where I used to live. We can do entire boxes of goodies for family back in the States for under $20. I've even found really nice soaps and lotions there for 100Y (a dollar, give or take, based on the exchange rate at the time) that are usually quite pricey in the States. Make sure to check the “Dollar Spot” at Target too. I do little gift boxes of “fun things” to send to a friend in Germany, and it’s a good place to pick up a handful of little things. I’ve also gotten baby hats and socks there that I liked. (Check for quality, of course, not all of it is that great – I look things over closely.)

Here in Japan we have the 100 Yen store, which is basically like a dollar store but better stuff than where I used to live. We can do entire boxes of goodies for family back in the States for under $20. I’ve even found really nice soaps and lotions there for 100Y (a dollar, give or take, based on the exchange rate at the time) that are usually quite pricey in the States.

]]> By: Diana http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215807 Diana Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:29:45 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215807 Thanks for the advice! I found it to be very helpful consider I don't have a job right now but still want to give gifts to people that I cared dearly. Thanks for the advice! I found it to be very helpful consider I don’t have a job right now but still want to give gifts to people that I cared dearly.

]]> By: Mary http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215806 Mary Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:33:04 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215806 We penny-pinch on all gifts except those for my parents. And since they live 3,000 miles away, it's not feasible to just pop over with a bouquet. So, $50 on flowers for her birthday is the only thing we really "splurge" on, and I don't even consider it a splurge since that's such a minute amount of what they've spent on me over the years. We penny-pinch on all gifts except those for my parents. And since they live 3,000 miles away, it’s not feasible to just pop over with a bouquet. So, $50 on flowers for her birthday is the only thing we really “splurge” on, and I don’t even consider it a splurge since that’s such a minute amount of what they’ve spent on me over the years.

]]> By: carla sorensen http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215805 carla sorensen Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:51:27 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215805 We like to give to Samaritan's Purse each Christmas; filling shoeboxes. I get things all year round and save them in a white tub in my spare closet. By the time Christmas comes, I have enough stuff for many boxes. I like to look for little things at yard sales,and often find new coloring books, etc. I also do that for stocking stuffers. I already have a brand new Monopoly game for someone that I got for $2 at the Thrift Store. After reading your post, I am even more in the mood to be on the look out for great bargain deals! Thanks! We like to give to Samaritan’s Purse each Christmas; filling shoeboxes. I get things all year round and save them in a white tub in my spare closet. By the time Christmas comes, I have enough stuff for many boxes. I like to look for little things at yard sales,and often find new coloring books, etc.
I also do that for stocking stuffers.
I already have a brand new Monopoly game for someone that I got for $2 at the Thrift Store.
After reading your post, I am even more in the mood to be on the look out for great bargain deals!
Thanks!

]]> By: Lisa http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215804 Lisa Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:43:05 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215804 This post came at a perfect time as I am going out after school today to buy a bday gift for a party my daughter is going to tomorrow. I always "say" I want to buy ahead for bday gifts, but I haven't. Now I have lots of good ideas for the future! This post came at a perfect time as I am going out after school today to buy a bday gift for a party my daughter is going to tomorrow. I always “say” I want to buy ahead for bday gifts, but I haven’t. Now I have lots of good ideas for the future!

]]> By: ADollarSaved http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215803 ADollarSaved Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:41:48 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215803 Great post! Very informative and useful! Thanks for the heads up! Great post! Very informative and useful!
Thanks for the heads up!

]]> By: Mary http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215802 Mary Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:39:56 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215802 This was a great post. My husband and I have 8 children, 6 son/daughter in-laws, and 20 grandchildren. Any way you look at it, that adds up to a lot of birthday and Christmas presents. Over the last few years my husband has gotten on board the bargain shopping train, and he does quite well. Over the last year we have found that Academy Sports store (not sure if they are outside of Texas) has great clearance sales. We very often find clothing, hunting and fishing supplies and toys for as little as $1.88. These are items that were priced as high as $100.00. Last year we bought our daughter a black leather jacket that was originally $99. and it was marked down to $9.88. She got it for her birthday in October and was overwhelmed at such a nice gift. Last weekend we were in San Antonio and noticed that Academy was having a clearance sale and we went to 6 different stores, spent $75. (regularly 350.00) and started our christmas shopping. Let me encourage you, if you live close to an Academy, check out their clearance racks for some great bargains. We also regularly check our other favorite stores for their clearance merchandise. My husband loves to shop Walmart, particularly when he is traveling in Colorado and Wyoming. Their clearance is so much better than the Walmart stores in Texas. This was a great post. My husband and I have 8 children, 6 son/daughter in-laws, and 20 grandchildren. Any way you look at it, that adds up to a lot of birthday and Christmas presents. Over the last few years my husband has gotten on board the bargain shopping train, and he does quite well. Over the last year we have found that Academy Sports store (not sure if they are outside of Texas) has great clearance sales. We very often find clothing, hunting and fishing supplies and toys for as little as $1.88. These are items that were priced as high as $100.00. Last year we bought our daughter a black leather jacket that was originally $99. and it was marked down to $9.88. She got it for her birthday in October and was overwhelmed at such a nice gift. Last weekend we were in San Antonio and noticed that Academy was having a clearance sale and we went to 6 different stores, spent $75. (regularly 350.00) and started our christmas shopping. Let me encourage you, if you live close to an Academy, check out their clearance racks for some great bargains. We also regularly check our other favorite stores for their clearance merchandise. My husband loves to shop Walmart, particularly when he is traveling in Colorado and Wyoming. Their clearance is so much better than the Walmart stores in Texas.

]]> By: Shannon http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215801 Shannon Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:10:30 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215801 I also handmake many of my gifts. It saves us so much money. My kid's friends get handmade crayon rolls or chalk mats, some crayons I pick up super cheap at back to school time, and a .99 doodle pad that I personalize with the child's name. As I think of ideas, I make them throughout the year so I am not scrambling to sew 25 gifts during the holidays. I also handmake many of my gifts. It saves us so much money. My kid’s friends get handmade crayon rolls or chalk mats, some crayons I pick up super cheap at back to school time, and a .99 doodle pad that I personalize with the child’s name. As I think of ideas, I make them throughout the year so I am not scrambling to sew 25 gifts during the holidays.

]]> By: Jennifer http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215800 Jennifer Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:09:50 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215800 I totally agree that you have to keep your gift stash organized! I had purchased a very high-quality Ohio State University sweatshirt for my father-in-law when we were at an outlet mall a few years ago. Then we picked up some Western videos for him from a Wal-Mart clearance bin. We had those things ready for Christmas gift-giving and totally forgot about them! Needless to say, he got them the following year for Christmas! I totally agree that you have to keep your gift stash organized! I had purchased a very high-quality Ohio State University sweatshirt for my father-in-law when we were at an outlet mall a few years ago. Then we picked up some Western videos for him from a Wal-Mart clearance bin. We had those things ready for Christmas gift-giving and totally forgot about them! Needless to say, he got them the following year for Christmas!

]]> By: Sherri http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215799 Sherri Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:04:32 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215799 You can also add "recycled" gifts to the stash- things you received but just won't use. Just make sure you remember who you got it from so you don't give it back! My friend re-gifted a toy back to my child that we had given hers the year before. I got a good laugh out of that one- and then re-gifted it to another child the next year! :) You can also add “recycled” gifts to the stash- things you received but just won’t use. Just make sure you remember who you got it from so you don’t give it back! My friend re-gifted a toy back to my child that we had given hers the year before. I got a good laugh out of that one- and then re-gifted it to another child the next year! :)

]]> By: Jerry http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215798 Jerry Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:40:24 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215798 The gift stash is a terrific idea and it leads to much less stress when an unexpected occasion arises! My wife does this with great success, and it's also something that we can stock up when we find things on sale... it's a little baby-shower-slash-birthday-slash-anniversary insurance policy in the storage closet! Great tips... Jerry The gift stash is a terrific idea and it leads to much less stress when an unexpected occasion arises! My wife does this with great success, and it’s also something that we can stock up when we find things on sale… it’s a little baby-shower-slash-birthday-slash-anniversary insurance policy in the storage closet! Great tips…
Jerry

]]> By: Learning2CouponFL http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215797 Learning2CouponFL Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:39:58 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215797 Does anyone know how long scented lotions, bath gels, etc. stay fresh? I saw several cute gift baskets on clearance at my local Walgreens for $5, regularly $20, that would be great as Christmas presents but I was afraid that eight months from now their scent will have soured or they'll be separated and discolored. Does anyone know how long scented lotions, bath gels, etc. stay fresh? I saw several cute gift baskets on clearance at my local Walgreens for $5, regularly $20, that would be great as Christmas presents but I was afraid that eight months from now their scent will have soured or they’ll be separated and discolored.

]]> By: SarahJane http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html/comment-page-1#comment-215796 SarahJane Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:16:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/04/guest-post-being-generous-while-living-on-a-budget.html#comment-215796 These are great tips but the only gift stash I have is for baby showers. Many of my friends and neighbors are having babies. I like to keep a stash homemade flannel burp cloths, scrubbing buddies and baby shampoo on hand for the many baby showers I attend each year. I wrap the soaps in the colorful burp cloth and tie with ribbon. These are great tips but the only gift stash I have is for baby showers.

Many of my friends and neighbors are having babies. I like to keep a stash homemade flannel burp cloths, scrubbing buddies and baby shampoo on hand for the many baby showers I attend each year. I wrap the soaps in the colorful burp cloth and tie with ribbon.

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