The 2008 Money Neutral Gift Challenge

hazzie123

I`d quite like to join,what about interest on savings in the bank can you include them?

egon

I am having a good think about this challenge over xmas, and how best to do it. I still have a few things to sell on ebay, which I need to sort.

My biggest problem at the moment is dreaming up all the birthday and christmas pressies for next year. And staying within my budget of £10 each. Seem to be hardest to do for the little ones, as BIL wants certain items for his kids, which are either more then I have budget (or he already bought them, and just wants the money back - usually above budget).

The other problem are relatives in Germany. Postage seem to eat away on the budgets too......

Any input is very much appreciated.

Egon

mum2one

egon wrote: »

I am having a good think about this challenge over xmas, and how best to do it. I still have a few things to sell on ebay, which I need to sort.

My biggest problem at the moment is dreaming up all the birthday and christmas pressies for next year. And staying within my budget of £10 each. Seem to be hardest to do for the little ones, as BIL wants certain items for his kids, which are either more then I have budget (or he already bought them, and just wants the money back - usually above budget).

The other problem are relatives in Germany. Postage seem to eat away on the budgets too......

Any input is very much appreciated.

Egon

Just a thought but with the relatives in Germany could you not buy some euros, as the postage gets expenses when you got a few to get.

My daughters other granparents live in Ireland, posted out there xmas prezzies, just token gesture, we only met 6mths ago and dont see eye to eye, spent £10 between them and it cost me £9 to post - def not money saving x

jamtart6

hazzie123 wrote: »

I`d quite like to join,what about interest on savings in the bank can you include them?

Hadn't thought about that really. I probably won't include mine as that wasn't what I was aiming for with this challenge. thats not to say you can't include it for your own challenge though


welcome one and all!

DdraigGoch

Please may I join in this - I've never sold anything on eBay, so all hints welcome [pm or on here], I have a quidco account, but I am trying to not buy anything at all :rolleyes: and failing miserably... Basically, it's about time I took this MSE idea seriously

I'm hoping to move house and downsize in 2008, so now have 3 households' worth of goods to dispose of - gulp!

I've never used any points gaining systems at all either - seems I'm really thick :rolleyes: but I'm sure I'll be much better with your help, thank you in advance :T

JesaRose

Thanks for the help. Hopefully now you can see my current status because I've spent the rest on this Christmas and have ALL my presents ready and wrapped under the tree
:beer:

jamtart6

I'll design us a little signature in 2008 for the challenge, yours is looking great JesaRose! I have a lot of presents for next year all ready - I overdid it this year slightly - hence why the notebook will help!

hazzie123

jamtart6 wrote: »

Hadn't thought about that really. I probably won't include mine as that wasn't what I was aiming for with this challenge. thats not to say you can't include it for your own challenge though


welcome one and all!

I`m gunna include mine as it`s extra money I`d just normally waste on rubbish and would make a real difference if I saved it.

kbl

Would you mind if I joined? Have been counting up on Excel what I'm budgeting for birthdays and Xmas (based on what has been spent in past), and it's seriously scary :eek: . 2007 I did save a bit, buying pressies in half price or less sales throughout the year, but still went through a lot of money. Have joined pigsback, but live in Ireland and the only real rewards worth anything is CD Wow, at least for my family. Also have tried selling stuff on ebay in the past, but wasn't successful, worth having another go tho. Have dabbled with Avon for the past few years, usually spend my commission on makeup I don't use, so could I count that instead of ebay money? (if I turn out to be as s**t at selling as I used to be!)

(PS Sorry if I sound a bit down on myself at mo, always like this at end of year, I am a lot nicer as months go on tho!!)

my_gorgeous_ellie-belle

Come and join us!!! Everyone who wants a bit of company in saving or you know the purpose of the thread, being money neutral, is more than welcome. Im not the OP but i can assure you 99.9% percent of money savers on here are lovely and welcoming!

Actually i need to update my signature with the info - take a look at some of the others and make something similar but relevant to you and your money. And dont forget to pop in occasionally with an update and a bit of company and enthusiasm towards the others!

Big hugs! x