Why are we thinking Christmas in January? Because when you are on a budget–you need to prepare early!
I have incorporated several different ways to pay for Christmas-without having to break into the savings or having to put away a certain amount every month.Though, for our sake because we have 3 boys we do put away $20 a month for Christmas on top of the earnings that I make through several different resources. Here are some great ways to earn money to pay for Christmas:
Surveys:
There are some great survey companies out there, on top of making money you often get to try out products that have not yet hit the market. Here are some of my favorites:
- Mindfield Panels
- Opinion Outpost-This gives you the option of amazon gift cards as well. I have had great experiences with Opinion Outpost and often I am able to cash out within a week or so!
- IPOS-i Say
- Global Test Market
- Survey Spot
ValuedOpinions.com
• My Favorite! Do not get as many surveys as with others, but they tend to be high value ones.
• Each survey is assigned a rewards amount.
• Payouts made via gift cards, including Amazon. Min payout of $20.
Taking surveys will not get you rich but it will help you with a little extra cash each month. For me, I usually take about 5 surveys a day and since I have been doing surveys for over a year I have made over $400 and been able to test several great new products.
Notes when taking surveys:
- –Open a email account dedicated to surveys ONLY. You will find that it is a lot easier going through them when they aren’t mixed in your personal emails.
- – Open a paypal account. I suggest this because many companies offer this option and it is the fastest way to get your money!
- –In order to see results you have to dedicate to at least 5-7 surveys and day.
- –Apply for several different companies. I belong to about five different companies and receive about 10 surveys a day
- –Make sure to complete your profile when you sign-up. You aren’t paid for taking these surveys but this helps in qualifying you for surveys. A more complete profile=more opportunities
Sales:
There are often great sales at the end of a major season in the retail world. For instance, after the summer Target, Walmart and other stores often have a toy clearance that can go up to 75% off! More than often at Christmas time toys are priced higher than normal because the demand is higher. There is no reason not to shop for toys in July!
Budgeting:
I always stand by a budget. Having three kiddos we have to keep a budget year round just for Christmas. We set a very small amount aside each month along with any monies I may make doing surveys and keep it there until it is time to shop. This way we never feel as though we have to play catch-up at the end of the year with a large chunk of money gone from our funds.
So now that you have the resources, put them to use! Only 11 months until Christmas! 
My Name is Josie and I live in sunny Southern California and I am a stay at home mom to three beautiful boys. We all know that living in California is a task of it's own and saving in California IS possible! I started this blog mainly to share all the awesome deals out there and show others how to save in any area of life. Even though you may make the commitment to be frugal and pinch your pennies doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice!
Josie, I read every single word in this post. I want to cry while reading it. I have been married for over 10 years. We are not even close to rich but Both my husband and I are givers. We love to cook for relatives. We love to gift others on many holidays and just regular visits too. Sadly, every year exactly as you said we we always Feel so horrible about the thousands we spent for Christmas shopped. This year we did it again. Even worse I lost my job for months now. I felt horrible that I myself couldn’t control my urge of gifting . I feel I let my husband down in managing our money. Josie, your post here show me you not only genius couponer, a wonderful wife but also the great mentor. Josie, southern California family is so blessed having you. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you are success in everything you dream to accomplish. Your family will always happy and healthy . Thanks for continuing your mission helping all of us not only save money but also our marriage and bringing joy to our kids everyday. Thanks josie.
Aww. Thank you for your kind words Kat
I started swagbucks last year and had almost $200 in amazon gift cards for Christmas. Thus month i have already earned $50. My goal is to have $600 + for Christmas. Thanks for all you do to help us save through out the year.
I agree with Opinion Outpost. For the most part, it has been a hassle free way of earning $5 amazon gift cards here and there. Much faster than Swagbucks for me. Also, if you’re not opposed to doing video reviews, I have been the MOST successful with ExpoTv. I made over $400 worth of Amazon gift cards in 2012 and I wasn’t even signed up until like March/April. You can sign up through my link: https://www.expotv.com/raf/uid-176884
I also wrote a detailed review of it on my blog here: http://thehonesttruthreview.blogspot.com/
I second what Kat said. I work full-time and have 2 under 2. It’s so hard to make ends meet. But with Josie’s help, I’ve found that I always have food on my table and toiletries to keep us clean
Thank you (again) for all you do. I will take a look and try at these sites.
I third what Kat said. This is why I LOVE your site and will always be loyal to SCS!!! I love how real you are and I love reading posts like these because I have learned so much from your site. Thank you for blessing my family and I with all your knowledge on saving. Every little bit helps and I am grateful for that. =) Blessings to you and your family for a healthy and prosperous New Year!!! =)