Undated -- The holidays are right around the corner, and if you're thinking, 'I don't have any money to buy gifts,' you can!
Every night this week, WFMY News 2 will bring you simple things you can do to set money aside and save.
THURSDAY
There are several options for ways to bring in a little more cash before the shopping season starts. These are all ideas for possible quick second jobs.
-Paper routes aren't just for kids. Delivering papers can be done in the early morning hours so it wouldn't interfere with a normal job.
-Do you know another language? If you're fluent, you can make money teaching others or being a conversational partner for someone looking to learn.
-Are you a sports fan? Consider becoming an umpire or referee in a local sports league. Games are usually scheduled around business hours, and the money can be good.
-Of course, you can sell what you already have. Yard sales and garage sales can bring in cash and help you make extra room in your home.
WEDNESDAY
Shopping and doing research on the fly can really pay off during the holiday season, especially when smartphones and tablets are used to compare prices and check product reviews.
The best ones for each consumer will vary by favorite stores and choice of mobile device.
But everyone should have at least one price comparison app. EBay's Red Laser and Amazon's Price Check are good choices. Kevin Sterneckert, director of retail research for the technology advisory company Gartner Group, prefers Price Check because he can get product specifications, prices of used items and reviews, along with new prices.
Red Laser, which is available on iPhones and Android-based phones, now has a 3.0 version available that also includes mobile express checkout using PayPal and bar-code scanning that lets users buy for either in-store pick-up or home delivery.
Some other tips to help you shop smartly with your mobile device:
•Limit the number of shopping-related apps you download. "Definitely don't overload yourself, because you likely won't use those 10 apps," says Dan Shust, innovation director at the digital marketing agency Resource Interactive. Six or so key ones are probably all you'll need, recommends Sterneckert.
•Consider an app to keep track of your receipts, no small task at the holidays. Shust recommends Lemon, which does a quick scan of receipts and keeps them organized on your phone.
•Many apps let you keep your holiday shopping lists handy, a big plus if you want to avoid overspending.
•Stick with store apps that truly add utility. Among other things, Home Depot's will scan QR bar codes in the store and pull up reviews of products you're considering.
Retailers including PacSun and North Face have apps that will send you deals when the GPS notices you're nearby. Geo fencing, as it's known, can be great if you've been waiting for something to go on sale, especially at stores such as North Face that seldom have markdowns.
Originally posted on USAToday.
TUESDAY
Time to focus on something we all do: grocery shopping. First off: Go shopping alone and make sure you're not hungry!
If you bring your kids or spouse, or if you shop on an empty stomach, you're likely to spend more. Also you'll want to make sure you're organized before you walk into the store. Bring a list and stick to it. Check the circular and newspapers for coupons and deals so you know what to expect. And plan your trip to the store so you're not wandering through the aisles.
Once you're in the store, consider the store or generic brands.
Most store brands are actually made by name brand companies and are usually less expensive. And think about buying in bulk.
It will almost always save you money, but only if you can use it before it goes bad.
When it comes time to check out, ask your store to match prices from elsewhere. And if possible, pay with cash. Feeling the money leave your hands will help you appreciate its value, so you're less likely to spend it on things you don't need.
MONDAY
One tip we found interesting: Pay yourself first! When you get paid, write yourself a check first and set it aside. It can be as small as $5 or $10. Let's say you get paid every two weeks starting this Friday. If you set aside $5 every check, you'll have saved $20 by December 23rd. If you keep that habit for all of 2012, you'll have squirreled away $150 by next December 21st.
Another way to make some quick cash, consider a garage or yard sale. If you haven't used it or worn it in two years, chances are you won't use it anytime soon. The sale can include clothes, appliances, tools, sports equipment, or furniture. Be sure advertise, both around the neighborhood and online to get a better turnout. Take the money you make and set it aside for holiday shopping.
SUNDAY
Let's say you're a Starbucks fan and buy a cup of coffee every day. A tall, 12 ounce coffee is a $1.60 after tax. So if you set aside that $1.60 every weekday between now and December 23rd, you'd have set aside a total of $56.00.
Now, what about if you swore off the vending machine through the holidays. Let's say you buy a $1.25 soda every day from the machine at work. If you set that $1.25 aside every weekday from now through December 23rd, you'll have saved $43.75.
Add that up, and you'll have saved $99.75 just from cutting out coffee and soda. You may be cutting out your caffeine boost, but you'll have more money for a few more gifts.
WFMY News 2