This year I’ve taken my 2019 12 Days of Christmas Savings and reimagined it for COVID.

1 – Giving: 2020 has been hard for so many, so if you can, please give

2 – Start with a Philosophy: we won’t be in this forever, so give gift cards to support businesses today that people can use in the future

3 – Make a List & Check it Twice: especially if money’s tight, being organized can help you to stay on track and not overbuy (especially if shopping online)

4 – Reimagine some Traditions: the holidays will look different for many, so those big parties, extended family get togethers and the usual public activities all look different. Take this opportunity to reimagine the holidays so they can still be joyful. Virtual Christmas Party anyone?

5 – Party Circuit Savings: one good thing to come from COVID is that those usual holiday entertaining and party expenses are absent. Put your dollars to other use by either investing in yourself, reducing your debt, or giving to others.

6 – Cash is King: and by cash, I mean not credit. Using your Debit (or a virtual VISA debit card online) instead of credit can help you stay on budget and save on interest if you don’t make those payments right away.

7 – Take Advantage of Sales: save money wherever you can… it’s never a bad idea to get more bang for your buck.

8 – End of Year Business Expenses: why pay more income tax than you have to? If 2020 has found you working from home, or you’ve seen an increase in self-employment income for whatever reason, you should look at what business/work-at-home expenses you may be able to take advantage of before the end of the tax year. This could be a new desk chair, office equipment, or software upgrades.

9 – Shop Local Small Business: always, and now more than ever, support your community and local economy. Many small businesses have ecommerce online shopping capabilities, so you can support local small business even without heading into the store.

10 – Sustainable Gift Wrapping: save some dollars and get creative using newspaper, or reusing gift bags or the like for your giving. And, if you’re mailing gifts to loved ones you can still reuse boxes and wrapping in fun and creative ways.

11 – Get Lucky… pot-lucky: since we may not be gathering in person the same way, pot-lucking an immediate family meal may not be an option, but then you’re saving not having a large family gathering to accommodate. Maybe this year try something new and have fun with your family meal.

12 – Spend Time… Go Dutch: while going out to a restaurant with friends may not be an option right now, you CAN meet virtually and save even MORE money, while also being able to enjoy a few bevies and not have to drive home. Use technology to connect this holiday season, and bring some fun virtual games into your holiday parties.