David Bach has helped millions of people around the world take action to live and finish rich. He is the author of eight consecutive national bestsellers, including two consecutive #1 New York Times bestsellers, Start Late, Finish Rich and The Automatic Millionaire. His other bestsellers include Go Green, Live Rich, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner, Smart Women Finish Rich, Smart Couples Finish Rich, The Finish Rich Workbook and The Automatic Millionaire Workbook. Bach carries the unique distinction of having had four of his books appear simultaneously on the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, and USA Today bestseller lists. In all, his FinishRich Books have been published in more than 15 languages, with more than five million copies in print worldwide. Learn more about David at www.finishrich.com. Season of Savings: Money Saving Gift Tips from David Bach To Begin, start with a detailed list: Write out who you're buying for and how much you can afford to spend for each gift. When you add it all up, you'll know if you need to cut back the list or perhaps decrease your spending limit per person. Impulse purchases will quickly get you off track, so bring the list with you when you shop -- and resolve to stick to it. Tip #1
Gift Registry: All the major retailers have these now. When someone buys something off the list, depending on which online list site used, it will either make a notation that it has been purchased or remove the item from the list. As with wedding websites, you have to encourage those around you to either make the purchase via the website, or log in and mark it as purchased, in order for it to be noted properly. Check out: Amazon.com, Target.com, Listsidea.com, Boogspace.com Tip #2
Home made gifts: Create a family cookbook, calendar, a photo collage, or book for kids or grandparents. Create a family heirloom to pass along. Check out Kodak.com, Snapfish.com Tip #3
Gift the gift of stock and money: THIS IS AWESOME, check out the oneshare.com, where you can buy one share of Disney and have it framed! Tip #4
Savings Bonds: You can buy US Government Savings Bonds as gifts for minors. The great thing is that the Government will send you a gift box with the bond or you can simply do it online at savingsbonds.gov Tip #5
Give the gifts of time, knowledge or experience...especially with the kids: A day out at the ice skating rink with your child, an evening of babysitting for a busy friend, computer lessons for grandma. Make a coupon book for a kid you love. Tip #6
Give a magazine subscription: it is inexpensive, can be tailored to the interests of the recipient, and it’s the gift that gives all year long. Tip #7
Give Books!! Tip #8
Buy in Bulk: Whether it is Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, to name a few, they all have great options for buying in bulk. It will help cut costs on your holiday dinner spending and also you may be able to pick up a case of wine, two-for-one house ware items, books or even frames that you can add special photos to and give to friends and family as gifts. But don’t just buy to buy. Plan ahead of time before going into wholesale stores and stay focused so you won’t go home with a bunch of unnecessary items that seemed like a good deal at the time. Tip #9
Try doing a Secret Santa gift exchange versus doing gifts for everyone. This is a great way to cover your bases in large families, groups of co-workers and friends. Put all of your names in a hat and set a limit for gift purchases. This way you can still share in the holiday spirit but only buy a gift for the name you have chosen. Check out Elfster.com, Secretsanta.com, Boogspace.com Tip #10
Green Holiday wrapping: Those old newspapers in the corner, magazines on the table, paper shopping bags under the sink and even wallpaper samples in the drawer all make fantastic wrapping paper. Not only can this add a personal and creative touch to the gift, it also helps save the planet and your wallet. Tip #11
This year when you are planning your holiday cards, think about Ecards instead of the paper version. Everyone loves getting cards, but who says they have to come in the mail? There are lots of great (and free) online alternatives to greeting cards that can take a bite out of your holiday spending. Check out: care2.com/ecards, 2000greetings.com, 123greetings.com Tip #12
Cash in your reward points and frequent-flier miles: Now is the time to take advantage of the reward points and frequent-flier miles you have been wracking up for the past year or more. A lot of major credit cards let you cash in your points for gifts from major stores and even gifts cards. Take a look at what gifts you are eligible for and you may just be surprised to find something your loved one has at the top of their list! PRINTER/EMAIL FRIENDLY