Ten Ways To Save Money this Holiday Season.

1. Create a budget AND STICK TO IT. I know, I know. That is easier said than done. But creating a budget for each person just forces you to be a bit creative.

2. Send Ecards instead of mailing your cards. Everyone has an email address these days. A few good places to find Ecards   123greetings    care2.com   riversongs.com 

3. You Make it They Bake it gifts. Have you ever received a gift that someone took the time to make? Those can be the best of all. Try some of these gifts you can make at http://pennypincherkitchen.blogspot.com/

4. Make a homemade calendar. This can be great for extended families. Access to a computer might make this project easier but isn't required. You can dig out your family photos and assign one to each month. Another neat addition would be to include birthdays and anniversaries!

5. Make your own wrapping paper. This works best if you have young children who love to color, unless you like to color. A roll of blank paper and a box of Crayons can keep a child entertained for hours!

6. If #5 isn't worth  the trouble, then don't spend full price for already made paper. You can check out your local dollar stores.  Remember, it's just going to get ripped off and thrown away.

7. Have an old fashioned Christmas. Instead of spending money shopping for expensive decorations by yourself, spend time with your family making your decorations instead. Can you imagine the wonderful family memories of gathering together to string popcorn, linking up paper chains, and covering cardboard stars with tin foil. Don't forget the hot chocolate.

8. If you still feel you need manufactured decorations, then you can head to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or similar store. You will be amazed at the volume of dirt cheap decorations. And you will be giving to charities that need your help the most during the holiday season.

9. Entertaining can be very expensive for even the smallest of families. Instead of going to the movies or dinner, how about try movies and dinner...at home. Netflix offers a one month free membership for new members. And dinner at home can cost a fraction of what it costs to eat out.

10. Give coupons. No, not for Cheerios, for yourself. Some good ideas are a coupon to wash their car, help clean their house, babysit their kids, anything that is a gift of your time.