submitted by Donna Gust
Here's my tip to help with money around the holidays!
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Throughout the year, I buy gift cards to stores I know I will be buying gifts for people during the holidays. I just make sure they have at least a year before they expire. Many gift cards do not have an expiration date, but some do.
As I buy the cards I keep them in an envelope with the receipt, just in case there is a problem with the card or amount.
When it's time to start my holiday shopping, I use the gift cards to buy the gifts. It's like putting money away for the gift buying, but you don't have to be afraid that you'll spend it on something other that what you saved it for.
The more cards you buy, the less chance it'll be that you use your credit cards.
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Editor's Note: Most gift cards have a phone number or web address on the back that you can check for current balance and expiration date.
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Copyright © 2007 by Donna Gust. All rights reserved.
