
How a Self-Proclaimed Frugal Blogger Saves Money During The Holi…

How To Make Soufflé Pancakes with Blueberry Jam | Kid Chef Matth…

How To Make Fried Rice | Geoffrey, Madeline and Anna Zakarian

How To Make Ham, Egg + Cheese Hash Brown Waffles | BLD Recipe

Rach's Chicken Riggies + Expert-Picked Style, Design and Tech Es…

Quick Maple Pork Chops With Garlicky Mashed Potatoes + Tom Payne…

Tony Hale Dishes On "I Love Lucy" Film + Rach Makes a Greek Feast

Jessica Alba & Cash Warren's "Double Date" With Rach & John + Ra…

Rach's Bagels 5 Ways (Like Spinach & Artichoke!) + Ham, Egg & Ch…

How To Make Tso Tini Cocktail | John Cusimano

How To Make Rachael's General Tso's Chicken

How To Make Perfectly Charred Carne Asada Tacos with Avocado Cre…

We Surprise The Adorable Couple Behind The Secret @MealsSheEats …

How To Make John's Blackberry-Ginger "House Call Mocktail | John…

What Happens In Your Body When You Eat Whole vs Refined Grains |…

How To Make Pho | Rachael Ray

How To Make Honey Soy Glazed Salmon | Dr. Ian Smith

Deals From Rue La La: Genuine Soft Leather Jackets, Healthy Pres…

Cake Boss Buddy Valastro's Fun Cake Decorating Ideas For Spring

Former Rachael Ray Mag Editor Wrote 365 Thank You Letters In One…

How To Make Meatball Patty Melt Pizzas | Rachael Ray
Friends! It's the second week of December, which means we're truly in the thick of it.
And by "it," we don't just mean holiday cheer, but holiday spending!
*cue the panic sweats*
But! Fear not. Instagram's resident "Queen of Frugal" (she boasts 299K followers on Instagram) and creator of the blog "Fun Cheap or Free," Jordan Page, shared her five best tips for saving money during the holidays — one of which will jump-start you for next Christmas, too!
1. Employ the Old-School Envelope Trick
Jordan says to set your budget for each person or gifting category and write it on an envelope. Keep that envelope with you handy all month long as a reference. Plus, use it to store all your receipts, so you can see how good you're doing about keeping to that budget!
2. Make the Most of Technology
Today's apps don't just help you shop, they help you save money, too! Jordan loves Rakuten, which gives you cash back for shopping online, as well as ShopKick, which rewards you for shopping in stores. All your bases covered! (And FYI, grocery shopping counts, too!)
RELATED: 2019 Holiday Gift Guide
3. Go on a Spending Freeze
In a total budget crunch? Don't fret! Just commit to one full week of no spending (save for absolute emergencies or bills that have to be paid). Other than that, you're not allowed to shop. But at the end of the week, you'll be surprised to see how much money you saved — and ALL of it can go towards your gift list!
4. Put Everything You Want to Buy in an Online Cart — and Walk Away
Jordan says this is a great tip, because while you might walk away, the company certainly won't! They'll see your full cart and might just send a coupon to incentivize you. (Yes!) Many stores will also monitor your items for price drops and email you as soon as they do. All around, it pays to be patient!
RELATED: DIY Wall Christmas Trees: 3 Ideas Perfect For Small Spaces
5. Set Your Budget — in January
Last but not least, when you set that budget, set it early — like January early! This way, as Jordan notes, you can start contributing then, and by the time December rolls around, you won't even feel the hit to your wallet!