And the winner is! Mami2jcn!!!! Congratulation!
Did you sleep through Black Friday? On Cyber Monday, were you busy decorating your tree – when you should have been taking advantage of online deals? Me too. You will never catch me waiting in line at 2 a.m. To grab the “deal of a lifetime.” Because, quite frankly, I truly doubt that the deal of a lifetime exists on those days.
That could have been the smartest thing we could have done to save our holiday budget. A Consumer Reports study found that those highly-promoted shopping days are not, contrary to what those ad campaigns tell us, the best days to find deals. The lowest prices arrive during the first two weeks of December. So, now’s the time I start holiday shopping for everyone on my list – with a clear conscious that I really haven’t missed a thing.
Use your AMEX card on ETSY!!! And Earn POINTS!!!
This year, we’re using our American Express Card as a tool for helping me set and stick to a budget. And – whenever I use this card, (anything from gas, grociers, donations to charities.) Think about that! Charity donations too!
I collect reward points. We earn one point for virtually every dollar we spend, there’s no limit to the points we can earn – and there are no expiration dates.
Finding inspiration for what to buy can be a challenge. I’ve found help in a surprising place: If you click on the American Express Facebook page, you’ll find a tab for Membership Rewards. Here, card members share stories on what they’ve purchased (steaks, TVs, Ipod Touch) with their Membership Rewards points. Not only that, the site showcases the best deals to be found on the membershiprewards.com/specials, with great deals on select rewards like electronics, travel, entertainment, home accessories and more.
American Express has challenged me to stay on budget by using a combination of a gift card and Membership Rewards points to shop for five people on my holiday shopping list – and I can use my points to shop not only through the shopAmEx site, but also places like Amazon, and even gift cards through stores like Gap, Old Navy to Bath & Body Works.
In addition to redeeming Membership Rewards, American Express has challenged me to shop at least one small business. This is where I favor my friend Amy’s little Etsy Shop, Littlealoutte — full of handmade wooden toys… the quiet, lovely ones. There are plenty of Etsy businesses that have some of the most amazing collections – along with lots of small restaurants and boutiques around the neighborhood.
Now, it’s your turn to win your own $250 American Express gift card.
How to Enter: Leave a comment with a tip for staying on budget when holiday shopping.
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Giveaway ends December 24, midnight PST. Open to US residents only.
This giveaway is open to US Residents.
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
Shop! Make the most of your card and make sure you’reregistered to earn Membership Rewards with your American Express. Stay on budget by using points you’ve earned and don’t forget to shop and support small businesses this holiday season.
Related Posts:
12/24 Shared on FB with my username Mary Happymommy–https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=252241731508130&id=100000611160195
12/24 tweeted–https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/150584515121774592
My tip would be to find the cheapest deals possible on whatever it is you want to buy, and always ask if there are any deals, or coupons at the moment for that item at check out. I have gotten many great discounts by just asking.
It really helps.
tweet-http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/150633968440586240
shared-https://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=313035978726812&id=100002433695748
stay on budget by making a list and sticking to it
Buy online. You can usually get the same deals as in store with free shipping and you save the gas and headache of going out.
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/grdayholiday/status/151160196134207488
Tweet:http://twitter.com/#!/roomofmyown/status/151344108487712770
My tip for staying on budget while holiday shopping is to always check the sale ads from both online and the newspaper. I make sure to check several coupon sites for printable and electronic coupons as well. Most stores always have some sort of valid coupon available. Why pay full price when a simple coupon can save you loads?!