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Real Simple readers offer small-budget Christmas-gift ideas and other insights on how to keep holidays from wrecking your financial plan.
Bob Hiemstra
Coupons, coupons, coupons! I begin early, and I’m diligent. Start collecting them, make your list, then try to use at least one coupon for each person. The savings will be dramatic. The trick? Don’t buy more just because you saved money.
Donna Panzarino
South Hempstead, New York
Shop with a plan. I never leave the house without concrete ideas and a list of what I am buying and for whom. And don’t hit the stores willy-nilly. Go to the departments and aisles that have the items on your list, and do not detour to other areas of the store. You save money and precious time.
Patti Byrne
High Ridge, Missouri Read More »- Let’s talk: Comment (4) | Blog
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Whip up these gifts as easily as that cotton-ball snowman you made 30 years ago. For complete instructions and dowloadable… Read More »
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by Erin Kane
Usually I send around 100 Christmas cards and the postage alone could afford another gift under the tree or a donation to my local food pantry. Add in the cost of making a beautiful photo card—ranging anywhere in price from 50 cents to $2 each—and you can see the why the temptation to skip the cards can be so great. And yet I find cards are still a wonderful way to connect with friends and family so I am not ready to give in. When I made my card last week, I discovered a few tools for making the whole process a little easier. Read More »- Let’s talk: Comment (7) | Blog
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The
holidays herald the annual quandary--who should you tip and how
much? And when is a gift more appropriate? Use our practical guide
to take the guesswork out of holiday tipping. Give a Tip to
Your...… Read More »
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by Amanda Armstrong
David Prince
1. Figure Out if It’s Right for You
“Many of us would opt to work from home to save on child-care and commuting expenses, but it isn’t for everyone,” says Tory Johnson, author of Fired to Hired. If you thrive on the camaraderie of watercooler chitchat or are tempted to rush off to a sale at the mall without a watchful eye to tether you down, you probably aren’t the best candidate.
If you do think it’s for you and you currently work in an office, find out if there is any established protocol, like having a certain title to warrant telecommuting. Then put your request to your boss in writing; address your communication strategy and recommend a trial period for the arrangement. Read More »- Let’s talk: Comment (14) | Blog
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by Stacey Colino
Virgil Bastos
Monday
Day 1: See the big picture. When obstacles pop up, ask yourself how stressful the situation really is: Will this matter in three months? Three years? For issues with long-term repercussions, write down exactly what you think the problem is or how the situation needs to change. Brainstorm about what you can do to move toward a better outcome, itemize the steps that must be taken, then create a concrete plan of action.
Tuesday
Day 2: Survey your support system. Make a list of people you could turn to for advice and hands-on help in a pinch. You’ll probably realize you have more people to rely on for emotional, practical, or financial support than you thought you did. Knowing that they’re there can mitigate the effects of stress and make you feel more resilient. Read More »- Let’s talk: Comment (2) | Blog
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Real
Simple readers share their memorable holiday mishaps. My
in-laws were having Christmas dinner at our house for the first
time, and I wanted everything to be perfect. I cooked my turkey and
the giblets… Read More »
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Do
You Always Have to Bring a Hostess Gift When You’re Invited to
Someone’s House for Dinner? Readers say: Of course: 49.7%
No, just follow up with a thank-you note: 33% Only if it’s a fancy… Read More »
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by Sarah
Stebbins Baseball caps can get bent in the washing machine but hold
their shape in the dishwasher, especially inside a contraption like
the Ball Cap Washer ($5, amazon.com). Don’t wash them with dishes;
food… Read More »
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Try
these go-to fashion choices for instant slimming. by Yolanda Wikiel
The A-Line Skirt: Try a simple A-line cut in a
stretch blend. “A wide waistband holds in the stomach, while the A
shape… Read More »
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