It’s time for a holiday giveaway for My Dollar Plan readers! We’re kicking off this week with Free Money: a special $100 holiday giveaway just for you!
We’re giving away $100 to celebrate the relaunch of our Simply Contests site.
We also thought it would be fun to celebrate the new $100 bill that was just put into circulation. Have you seen one yet?
$100 Cash Holiday Giveaway
Simply Contests Giveaways
Long time readers will remember that the contest channel here at My Dollar Plan got a new home a few years back: Simply Contests. The contest site now features lots of giveaways for readers to enter and win. During the holidays we’re hosting giveaways that will make great gifts this holiday season:
How Far Can $100 Stretch During the Holidays?
One of my favorite traditions this time of year is our Holiday Gift Guide series. Hopefully, you can put the $100 to good use and stretch it among many amazing, inexpensive, frugal and last minute gifts this holiday season!
Win $100 Cash
A lucky My Dollar Plan reader will win $100 cash. Of course, if you prefer not to receive cash in the mail, we can send it via Paypal or in the form of an Amazon gift card.
And just for fun, if we get lots of entries, we’ll host another holiday giveaway!
The giveaway ends: December 13, 2013 at 11:59 pm CST.
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Keep a photo of your goal taped to the front of your credit card. You want to buy a house, travel to Italy clip a picture and tape it. Whenever you want to spend needlessly the picture will help remind you of your goal.
One Frugal GirlDo it the old fashioned way…keep a jar where you throw in all your change and watch it add up.
Mami2jcnPutting the money in my paypal would help me not burn through the gift of $100. Thanks.
JoyceAlways google “coupon” with the name of the store you plan to shop at first to see if there are any coupons you could use. Also credit cards rewards points!
Clara HHave money automatically deducted from pay check – don’t miss what you don’t see!
Sarahtry befrugal.com
DaveAlways use rewards cards and, if shopping online, using ebates and related websites!
HelenaMy money saving tip is to check online for savings coupons before shopping at the store, you can often find 20% off your total order coupons or more, for many stores. I just print them out before I go.
Kelly DUse credit card reward points to buy gift cards for birthday and holiday gifts.
NancyRemind yourself that spending more money doesn’t always mean you’re better off. Living within your means is good because you can actually save more money. People with the mindset that they need to keep spending money beyond their means are the ones that live paycheck-to-paycheck and can’t seem to budget or save.
JoeMake saving automatic, with automatic deductions from your paycheck into your 401k, HSA or any other type of savings accounts.
Joe KRewards cards, swagbucks, ibotta, target redcard for the 5% cashback
Sue KMake and enjoy yummy food at home
Tracy PI like using wallaby to find out which credit cards will get me the most points for my purchases.
MandyI can already feel the $100 added to my Amazon account now!
Michael ZorilI save money by unplugging appliances when not in use. I never leave a room with a light on.
Ann BarhamI save money by making fewer trips to the stores. I save a lot by buying larger amounts less frequently and cooking at home.
Mary Beth EldertonShop online with Ebates.com to get credit card points PLUS affiliate kickbacks.
Jennifer SI don’t buy expensive shaving gels. I shave my legs using the cheapest hair conditioner I can find. Not only do I get an incredibly close shave, my legs are perfectly moisturized!
MariaLiving frugally, occasionaly I skip a week of grocery shopping and see if I can go a week or 2 without spending anything (except gas of course). Thank you for all your helpful articles.
RobinMy tip is to check out the printable coupons and pair with store sales!
NatalieWait until the stuff you want goes on sale.
BlackAsphodelCoupons!! I coupon and it saves me loads of money!
Kaci Guisinger HarrisonMy best money saving tip is to shop the ads for the great deals and use coupons as much as possible!
Amy OrvinWhen there’s something expensive you are just dying to buy, put it on hold for 30 days – see if you still want it just as much in a month, then buy it. Usually, you’ll be over it!
KateFavorite money tip: Buy gift cards at grocery store to get gas rewards.
LauraI use a produce co-op to save money
Alecia HSearch for coupons and stack deals. Also use rewards programs.
shantelle statelyAlways save 20% of your income no matter how much you earn and make it a habit!
Jonathan CI enter sweepstakes and giveaways. Not only the big ones, but the blog giveaways like this. I have picked up a few Christmas presents that way. No big hits yet. Also I have tons of free samples. That saves on money.
Evelyn ChuterMy money making tip–I enter sweepstakes and when I win, use it to pay for the things I need (gas, groceries, etc)..then I put what I would have spent on those things into savings.
latoyamoney saving tip: collect coupons from the paper and printing from the Internet then match coupons to items on sale at local stores to get maximum savings per item.
DavidI save the heels of bread (no one will eat) and use them for making bread crumbs, croutons, stuffing, etc.
Patricia DuganAvoiding prepackaged food and cooking at home. 🙂
ElizabethFave saving tip: Using as many store savings cards as I can get my hands on.
Helen JoI regularly use shop at a grocery store that gives me reward points as well as gas coupons. I’m buying food anyways so it makes sense to get a little something in return. They add up!
StacieMy favorite money saving tip is to wait 30 days before purchasing something you think you want.
ValerieI would definitely say using coupons combined with store sales and loyalty programs.
ValenciaI ALWAYS USE COUPONS WHEN I SHOP
DIANEMy money savings tip is to buy dicsounted giftcards online and to always use coupons!
LaQuitaTarget 5% off debit card and coupons!
BeckyMMy money saving tip is to figure out how much cash you need per payperiod for gas, groceries, wal-mart, allowance, etc and make pouches for each of them. When you get paid, put money in each pouch. Once money is done, so is spending!
BarrieWe have a rewards card, and I take online surveys to help make extra money 🙂
Becca WilsonI always manually save at least 20% of each paycheck.
SallyI use coupons and sales to save money. i have especially been enjoying stacking the new target cartwheel with coupons and the red card
VWhen shopping online look for promo codes on retailmenot.com and similar sites to save money on your orders.
jennsales and coupons
Kim HI like coupons, BOGO. I particularly like when CVS (local store) has products on sale and then offers store bucks too. Cha-ching.
Paula VMy favorite money making tip; Sell the things you aren’t using. Making a buck off something you own feels good, but getting rid of clutter feels even better!
Bailey Syou really got to invest in real gold and get out of the banks
Kelly NicholsonThink twice and then thrice before spending money on anything that is not a strict necessity!
John LeahyI shop online to save gas and sales tax, but only buy when the shipping costs are free or very reasonable.
Ann Fantomsave $10 of your earnings a month
Kiera M.Money saving tip – use ebates, befrugal, coupon catcus….any site to pay you to shop online!
KatieAnytime I want to make a major purchase, such as a new piece of technology, I force myself to sell the older model (or another item) on Amazon or Ebay to help defray the cost!
Geoff KMy fave money making tip is selling your kids’ old and gently used items on eBay or to your local consignment!
Adrianne BI would say using coupons regularly… a great money saving tip for sure!!!
melisas cushingAlways keep your eyes peeled for change on the ground.
HarryMoney making tip- sign up for market research and make easy money by simply sharing your opinions.
echI use coupons and look for sales. I shop when I get the most % off when I have coupon for clothes and shoes.
Terry MaddenUse coupons & rewards cards. I also make many of my own household cleaners
Julie WUse coupons! It really never fails!
Amanda Sakovitzentering sweepstakes online while i watch tv
EbieMeal plan. Helps me save so much at the store
Chelsee EpperlyWe make $ stretch through making meals in a jar. We make dozens at a time – and it saves us money, time, and from eating out!
Sheree HartungAny time I need to make a purchase I always check ebay first.
M.ClarkMy tip is to use coupons.
KiaraI’ve saved lots of money using daily deal sites like Groupon.
Diane L.Always use coupons
Danielle DI save money by shopping when there are sales and using coupons.
Tiffany WTi try to limit my time in the stores. Go in with a plan and get out.
Conniebuy what you need, save for the things you want.
GinaMy favorite money saving tip is to use coupons and shop the ads.
FRANKAlways, always look for a coupon! Another good way to save money is round up all your purchases and record that….the extra change here and there really adds up.
Wendy R.my best tip is to buy less ‘wants’ and mainly buy ‘needs’. it’s amazing how many things i want end up barely being used, and end up being just a waste of money….and the fewer ‘wants’ i buy, the more i find i value the ones i do buy.
kath gMy tip is to put a certain percentage of your paycheck into a jar every paycheck or every other paycheck
Crystal HI always use coupons and digital coupons loaded onto my rewards card for the atore that I shop at.
Cassandra D.we use coupons whenever possible and shop on sale days
Steve Stonechecking deal sites is a great way to save money
Adrienne GordonMy tip – always use a coupon!
Jennifer RoteI use coupons when shopping online and enter giveaways
kport207 at gmail dot com
KathleenI always make a list before going so I know exactly what I need and I buy in bulk with coupons if possible!
Cassie KorandoAlways pay yourself first!!! Won’t miss (so much) what you don’t see!
Heather Wlooks for coupon codes when shoppig on- and offline
sandraI like to stack coupons with a sale. Sometimes I can get things for free.
DeniseI love looking for coupons and emailing companies directly to request for coupons for the products I love.
LatreciaI set up monthly automatic deposits from my checking account to an investment account. Helps me save my own money, and over time, make some money too.
Tonyfine is to clip coupons & use them when items are on sale.
Chrystal DI try to earn rewards on Swagbucks and other sites, and use them for things I need to buy anyways.
CandiceI like to shop clearance sales all year, you get the best deals on everything you need.
Christine MUse coupons whenever possible.
Colleen BoudreauI make sure I save money for the future and I don’t spend more than I have.
Michele B.People often ask me how I can afford to travel. I like to point out that most people have something they are willing to spend their money on- coffee drinks, video games, movies, etc. so my advice is to stop spending that money for a month and save it somewhere instead where they can see how much it amounts to…typically they can afford plane tickets somewhere in no time 😉
DanizillaUsing coupons and cooking delicious healthy meals at home!
Ellen AndersonI post tons of stuff to craigslist every month and see what people go for. Sometimes I even list items that I want to keep unless someone inquires.
AmandaMy favorite tip is to plan your meals around what is already on sale.
Sara CunninghamBing Toolbar 😛
Darklurkr23Store you treasures up in heaven!
StephenOnly buy things you NEED not WANT. Big difference between the two
Angela WNever pay full price for Clothes
April Brenayround up purchases in your checking ledger and just use the round up as an extra cushion
tina reynoldsmake purchases in the off season! I just got my kids swimsuits for next summer at 97% off!
JenniferMatching up coupons and sales.
RonniALWAYS USE COUPONS !!!!!!!!!!!!! AND CHECK OUT THE CLEARANCE RACK…..MAKE A LIST AND USE IT……
MARTHASigning up for reward clubs through email.
NDDecide which items are really ok to buy the generic version. For example, Lucky Charms or the malt o meal version of it that gives you twice as much for the same price. The kids don’t care; they just want the marshmellows.
Danette DWI usually cook more than I need so that the leftovers can be used for the next days lunch.
mysweetiepiepieA good way to save money is to stock up on grocery items when they are on sale.
Cindy Huse ebates.com
Kyl NeuschI save 10% of my paycheck!
PearlDo not buy things just because you have a coupon for them. If you have a coupon for something you probably will not use tape it on the product in the store for someone else.
BOBBI MCMURRYslow down to save gas and tire wear
ML JeffersonI use coupons with sales and comp ads.
DianaAny big purchases I check for competitive prices on eBay and Amazon.
SethWe use coupons and buy generic products.
Chris Martineznever shop without coupons or gift cards
janna johnsonstop buying crap you don’t NEED – tada easy peasy – we don’t need 4 different kinds of bread, 5 kinds of mustard, 4 different kinds of pickles, 7 salad dressings, 6 kinds of spaghetti, etc…
Daniel Mdrink water when eating out!
CalliShop sales & use coupons.
David HolderMoney saving tip: Cook at home- make one BIG meal a week to eat on throughout the week for lunches. Eat out less. cook at home more. Healhier (usually) too. 🙂
TaylorMy best money saving tip is to stay out of Target and to stay off of stores websites. 🙂
lauren knottMy best tip for saving money is to stick to a strict budget..no splurging on unneccesary items.
June MinardPay with cash so you don’t pay banks interest.
Sonya MorrisUse as many coupons on things you need as you can!
Victoria CarlsonWe have a strict budget 🙂
Jara ChristensenLast minute gift ideas: liked the gas card, clearance item from Kohls and tree!
shelleybI love combining coupons with sales.
Monique RizzoThanks for the chance.
Fave tips are cutting and using coupons, entering contests, and testing products.
virgomomwriterMy favorite money saving tip is to establish a change jar and when it fills up, roll the change and take it to the bank!
Ben GBuy used and save the difference whenever possible.
Cindy Beat at home,coupons, rewards cards, sales and don’t buy stuff unless you really need it
Kelley ChapmanI always search for the lowest price that the item sold at and try to find it for around that price or wait unless I really need it.
Andrina GCoupons and wait for sales.
Kellynot eating out as much but making your meals at home after using many coupons.
lisa l.Clip coupons, shop the deals!
Tamra HEat out less and belong to Sam’s or Costco. It’s worth it just for the savings on paper products.
BethWe cook most of our meals at home. It’s healthier and saves money.
Julie B.Shopping sales and using coupons!
KristinI stock up when I see items that we use on sale.
Sherri JWhen shopping online, I search the web high and low for the best promo code for the specific store I am planning on making a purchase from, price check to make sure I am getting the best deal and also look for free shipping promo code. I also have signed up for E-bates and enter that store through e-bates to get a check sent to me quarterly.
Terry KWhen I get paid in cash (which I do fairly often) I take 25%-40% and put it directly into savings
Traci Childstake advantage of all the reward programs stores offer and use coupons
danielle dUse only cash and save all your change and $1s.
AutumnRayCOok and eat at home.
SakiDrink your coffee at home and put 2 bucks in the jar for your savings.
Dawn SweepsMy favorite money saving tip is to buy a lot of what’s on sale and freeze it.
AnnalisaSome stores allow you to stack store coupons and manufacturer coupons.
Roy F.put 10 bucks away every check and use coupons!!!
Beki LozanoWe pay for pretty much everything on a rewards credit card which we pay off every month. We then use the rewards for presents at the end of the year. Groceries and gas really do add up.
TaraAlways pay yourself out of your check first in a seperate account.
HelenaI use a coupon with most everything I buy, and I’ve always made my own laundry detergent.
Stephanie LarisonEvery paycheck i put so much back. It adds up!
Anna E.When going back to work after having babies we put 50% away trying to live on one salary. We saved a lot!
Margaret herron2 pay checks but put one in the bank.
Margaret herronCouponing and mystery shopping!
CarolineNever shop when you are depressed.
JenniferAd matching helps me save money.
Kay SMy favorite money saving tip is to use coupons.
april yedinakI put a little bit of money aside out of every check I receive.
KathleenPay in cash!
StarMenu plan to stay on budget.
AlissabethBuy groceries when they are on sale, and then eat from the pantry
MichelleSCut back on one takeout meal or fast food meal a week and put the money you wouldve spent in a jar. Youll be surprised how fast it adds up!
BrynnEnvelopes! It keeps me accountable to the money in the bank. Stop using plastic (credit cards) where possible!
hailey b.Buy fruit and veggies in bulk during the summer when they’re dirt cheap. Then freeze them so that during the fall and winter you’ll have a variety of fruit & veggie options without breaking the bank 🙂
AlinaBest tip is don’t go shopping until you absolutely have to. If you don’t go, you won’t spend!
Selene M.create a budget and stay on that budget
courtney bMy tip is to buy used items whenever possible. We almost always buy used DVDs and it adds up to a huge difference for our entertainment budget! 🙂
Lynda ThomasI do used coupons a lot and looking for best deals save some $$$.
alena svetelskaDon’t buy what you don’t need.
Linda Kishshop the loss leaders and always stick to a list.
clynsgKeeep a running talley of every dollar you spend on Christmas in your wallet. It’s eye opening.
dawn kKeeping money divided into 2 or more places, such as having a savings account, is wise and helps alot!!
ElsieFor this holiday season, my best money saving tip is buy online. Subsribe to some newsletters like money saving mom & Burts bees. I also use be frugals website to get deals as well as retail me not. Must work the deals as best I can on an SSDS budget.
LilianeI just try to buy things for the best quality possible at the lowest price. I like to use coupons too. I don’t care for famous brands either. I also don’t eat out much. I prefer to bring my own meals and snacks which are usually homemade.
Jacquline OntiverosMy biggest money-saving tip, and I have a degree in Finance, is to plan your meals out for the week. Only shop once a week for the entire week, except if you run out of staples, like milk, eggs, etc. Stick to your list! Try not to eat out at all, but at least not more than once per week.
Amanda MoutosUsing Swagbucks and Mypoints to get amazon cards and restaurant gift cards is a good way to save money.
JessicaUsing cash works well!
ShannonI buy used and save the difference.
Jennifer Dunawaylook at coupons
alI enjoy thrifting, so I look for things that I know are worth more than they are being sold for. Craigslist and ebay are my friends, and I have made money using them!
Lesley MAlways ask for a discount, even if you don’t think you’ll get one!
Tommy ZBuy used when you can, watch for sales, use coupons…I love saving money any way I can!
Randi SIn order to save money, I try not to eat out as often and of course use coupons.
Maria HWe pay for everything in cash. When you can physically see it disappearing it makes it more painful to spend!
MichelleMy husband saves money all year round for out Anniversaries. In fact her so cute he still calls them our Honeymoon.
Christina SparksI always got through ebates first…I have saved so much money doing this.
lisa l.cutting coupons.
Christopher BurrellMy tip is to use coupons when you can and shop during sales.
Brittney HouseI save all the money I get from returning our bottles.
Rebecca PetersMy fav money saving tip is to always price check!
Tom LesterMy tip is to shop with cash to avoid impulse buys.
Lisa GarnerMy best tip is coupons!
Amy stongerI save money by never leaving my house. Okay, I do leave my house sometimes but I find whenever I get in my car and leave, I’m going to spend money so I try to combine all my shopping and errands in one all day excursion.
Karen MatlockI price match and use coupons 🙂
Karrie MillheimMy very best cost saving tip is to get organized…know what food you have in the pantry and freezer and use what you have before it expires. Use store coupons and manufacture coupons and stack them on a sale item to get the item at its lowest cost. Everyone has to eat so figured it would apply to all.
Margie YoungPlan a meal list for week when at store according to my coupons. Always saves me a ton
Shana FNever shop without coupons and a written plan to stay on track
lorayne gothardNever shop online without checking for a coupon code!
Priscilla S.When shopping I compare prices for the best deals and look for discount codes.
ShannonI shop at thrift stores and dollar stores.
Sarah LThanks for the contest.
I don’t buy anything I don’t really need. I only buy things that are on sale and use coupons.
Misha EstradaI use sites like Ebates.com to get cash back off of online purchases and always check retailmenot.com for coupons.
TarahPay yourself first. When you get paid takes some and put aside in your savings first. Then pay bills.
Kathy LumanOnly eat out once a month, it will save to tons of money to eat at home.
ShereeUse coupons and avoid impulsive buying
MandalaSearch for coupon codes before shopping online.
Lin Gorenkoffmy favorite money saving tip is to eliminate as many monthly bills as possible starting with cable. I have netflix which is only $8 a month and that’s enough TV for me.
susan smoaksI use coupons and always pay with cash so I don’t go over my budget.
Susan SmithDon’t carry a credit card balance and use rewards cards for all purchases.
Jim SI use ebates and love samples for gifts and traveling
lizWe have a checking account set up as our Christmas fund and deposit money out of each paycheck throughout the year.
Beth KlocinksiI will only shop sales.
Jason BI try to just carry cash when I shop, instead of relying on a credit card.
Gwen B.When shopping online go to sites such as Reatilmenot and Ebates. You will save a lot of money with deals such as free shipping and cash back on purchases.
RoxannCombining sales and coupons and getting the rest where they are the cheapest.
Kathleen M Smithi save all of my loose change and cash it in at the end of the year. this is usually how we are able to afford vacations.
brittneyLots of coupon clipping…
Lisa VanhookBuy store brand instead of name brand 🙂
Abby C.Compare prices before buying, use coupons (for both retail and grocery) and eat at home vs. eating out.
Cassandra Frenchi make small steps toward saving. Small cuts make a big difference.
Trisha McKeeUse coupons and follow the sales to lower your bills!
Annemarie Z.I stock up on things when they’re on sale and always use coupons!
Sand