The Christmas 2007 merged thread

earthmother

I'll have a go


Already have a head start as it appears I've amassed quite a bit already - still have 4 or 5 archive boxes full of stuff that didn't get used this year, and a load of vouchers and catalogue commission. I've also already saved a fair bit on a couple of large pressies for the kids in the sales already.


I'll do some proper sorting and adding up over the next few days and then I'll know what my true target is.

My current costing for the coming years birthdays and Christmas is £600 - that's 3 children of our own (£50 each for birthdays, £65 each for christmas), and a further 6 (soon to be 7) children in the family (at about £10-15 each, each time).

We'd already decided not to buy for adults as a rule from now on, but there's still an allowance for Mother's day, Father's day and the odd bunch of flowers or box of chocs.


But I would like to substantially cut that amount in cash terms - that way we have a chance of a holiday this summer (accomodation already paid for by Mr T, but we have no petrol or spending money)

Also, the two elder kids have asked for parties this year, now they're at school/nursery they have friends to invite, and we'd like to be able to do something for them.

sheng719

Can I join too! at least there is something that I could put some of my MSE efforts into...I'll start by gathering all the old pressies that I have and maybe recycle them for next years hamper gifts.(I know some of you would not agree...). I'll finish off the planned Xmasstocking/sack that I have put down as one of my sewing challenge & I'll be keeping an eye on all of those moneyback sites and use the things I earn to buy pressies.

Miss-spent_2

Yes I need cheering up, lets think ahead.
I don't really understand whar piggy points are although I have signed up for them. I just delete e-mails from them what are they.
Last year I put money away every month in a BS that worked best plus Avon was great for special offers

Shellybee

Oh yes jamtart, count me in. I will be saving Piggypoints for Boots vouchers and collecting £2 coins.
I'm going to update my signature later for the Challenge, and think if a few other things I could do.

Great idea!!:D

Lillibet_2

I'm in, I already do Rpoints & have about £70 sitting there to be cashed, plus I use my boots points etc for pressies & nectar & tesco points for food. I also save all my 1 & 2p's for christmas & buy a tesco saving stamp everytime I go in so not techinically free but it's easier to save in advance & next year I really want to AFFORD christmas & not be spending out of decembers money IYKWIM;)

scottish_blend

I'd like someone to take me under their wing as such, on the matched betting thing - I'm a bit of a gambler on the footy ( for fun like - I'm talking I'll think for about 3 days before putting as much a fiver on a line - I'm strictly a £1 and £2 better ) so I reckon matched betting profits could be the way to go to get rid of about 5 grand's worth of credit card debts I know NOTHING about matched betting tho?

Anyone up for that?

jamtart6

OH COOL!! :money:

Really glad that you are all up for it.....

I think my plan is going to be to earn as many boots vouchers/arcadia vouchers as possible.

and earn as much on ebay as I can......

I have made a lovely little spreadsheet (PM me if you want a copy) for what i have bought, original price, reduced price, total spent, total savings and total earnt back so I can keep track of how I am doing...

Perhaps we could have a little ditty in our signatures about the xmas 2007 challenge?


So glad I have some people to support me thanks!!

icklejulez

Im in! Definatly. Cant buy gifts etc as Im moving house soon, hopefully! But Ive stashed some cash whilst cash flow is ok and anything I make on ebay will stay in my paypal account(I dont make too much). Xmas was so unorganised and hard this year it ruined the run up so I am determined to do this. It will also make my hubby a bunny too as he is definatly the modern day scrooge.

Shellybee

Right, got my signature sorted.
Also decided to opt in for the Tesco clubcard Christmas thing (they will hold back all my points until the Nov mailing)

Is Martin keeping this forum open? Would be nice to have this thread going for support:D

jo1967

I have 3 birthdays in the next week & spent my "budget" in Boots getting gifts worth £10 for £5 so I am pleased.

Gots bows half price at Wilkinsons & half price cards at BHS.