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Living Large In The Cheat Seats: Christmas is NOT an Emergency

 

Benjamin Franklin started from humble beginnings and worked his way up to being a very prosperous man.   He knew that everyone’s resources and strengths are different.   However, we all can use our resources and talents to our best advantage.    No one can tell you what this will look like or what you are personally willing to do or give up to achieve your goal.   


The only thing we can do is share our experiences, ideas, and solutions.    If you are interested in getting just 1% better at a time, then this post is for you.    Each week we share at least 1 thing that has improved our living within our means and possibly put a little money aside for a rainy day.   This is how we will Live Large In The Cheat Seats.



One way to Live Large In The Cheap Seats is to prepare for Christmas the entire year.   Each year I use rebate apps and survey sites to earn money for our holiday spending including Christmas, birthdays, and everything else.   For example, I use IBOTTA, Checkout 51, Coupon.com, and My Points.     Each day I invest 5-10 minutes a day to complete surveys or upload receipts for rebates and this habit yields enough money to cover our holiday expenses.   Based on last year's earnings I set a holiday budget for the upcoming year.    


Last month was a good month to pick up cheap or free items and put them away for Christmas gift giving.     I systematically take pictures of various statues, natural beauty, or other still-life compositions throughout my adventures during the year.    I keep a file with the edited version of these pictures for when great deals on prints come along.   


Last month was a great month for picking up Christmas prints.    I was able to pick up 8x10 prints (x2) and a set of cards to give as gifts this December.   I am keeping my eye open for nice frames from Good Will, Thrift Stores, and Garage Sales for appropriate frames.  If find personalized photos or card sets, make a wonderful present for Christmas.   


If you have any ideas, please comment below.


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