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Quick Tips for Mommies: How to Destress & Save Some Cash This Holiday

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I am always looking for ways to help you save money. Laura from uSell.com has written a great article about saving money and your sanity this holiday season!

While the holidays can be quite a joy, they can also make even the calmest mommy want to tear her hair out between buying gifts, decorating, and dealing with hyper children.  Before you decide to order a bunch of Egg Nog, read my tips and find your inner zen.

Stop the Plastic

You’ll spend less and stick to a budget, if you keep the credit cards away this Christmas. Set a budget now, and then use cash. You’ll be happier knowing you’re not going in debt for some toys your kids will grow out of within a year!

Traveling 411

Are you already freaking out over bringing a potentially cranky toddler to the family Christmas blowout? If you can’t fit a nap in before the bash, leave early and drive around while your little one dozes off to the tune of “Silent Night.” Bring pajamas, a wash cloth, toothbrush, and favorite lovey too. Get your babe ready for bed before you head out to go back home. It will make the transition from car to toddler bed/ crib that much smoother.

Is your kid a cranky pants in the car? Now is not the time to stick to the agenda. Do whatever you have to:  use electronics, DVDs, or your phone to keep sweet holy peace during your travels.

Got sugar? They’ll eat sweets like you do on Christmas, but try to avoid them an hour or two before bedtime to keep the kids from being manic.

Good luck with that mommy!

Be Practical

Does your kid really need another princess doll?  Why not ask folks for clothes or gift cards? Dressing up your brood can be costly, unless you’ve got appropriate hand-me-downs.  Another great gift is asking those doting grandparents for tickets to a Children’s museum, playplace, or for cash to sign up your tot for a gym/dance/Mommy&me class.  All of those trips and classes cost cash, but they’re so much fun to do. If the grandparents insist on your child having a “gift” to open, have them wrap up a book or small toy. Making memories are better than any toy!

Get Extra Cash

Some people take on extra work during the holidays, but as a mommy, this may not be practical for you! Why not sell back some of your old electronics for cash? If you don’t know where to start, read this.   At uSell.com, you can get cash by selling your used electronics. On the website, you’ll find cash offers from professional buyers in one place. In 3 easy steps, you can sell your old electronics with no hassles or hidden fees.  Currently, you can get up to $175 for your old iPad, and if you sell your old iPhone, you can get up to $305. A Samsung Galaxy S4? You can get up to $225. uSell even takes back broken or water-damaged phones.

It’s a great way to make some extra money to ease your holiday burdens. Besides, why should you take up space in your house hoarding old electronics?

Stressful Family Members

While blood is thicker than water, that doesn’t mean all of your family is normal. If you’ve got a stressful one to deal with, keep your visit brief with said individual. If the person is that toxic, make other plans and use them as an excuse. Tis’ the season to be merry, not miserable.

Last Note

No matter what, remember that it’s not about keeping up with the Jonses, but simply about enjoying your family. It’s the reason for the season.

Laura Lifshitz-Hernandez is a blonde pint-sized tour de force of wit, smiles, and neuroticism. A comedienne, writer, and former MTV personality, she will work for self-validation and chocolate. To read her rantings on sex, love, parenthood, and memoir excerpts, dash over to: http://frommtvtomommy.com/. She likes to make friends with strangers.

Follow her @LauraLifshitz & on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lauralifshitzwriter.

 

 

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