Time-Saving Tips for the Holidays {$50 Bank of America Giveaway}

Time saving and the holidays…almost an oxymoron, right?

But, we all have our little hints that help make life easier and less time consuming for us.

How do we same time (and money) during the holidays?

Make a budget.

While this might not seem like a time saving tip, it really is.  We make our list of people to shop for, and set the amount we are going to spend.  It makes it easier to shop for them knowing our budget.  Often, we include an idea or two for a gift on that same list so it's all in one place.

Route Plan

If you are going from store to store, make sure you have mapped out the most efficient and effective route to and from each store. Don't waste time or money driving around without a plan.

Babysitting or playdate exchange

Gain kid-free time to make your way through your holiday to-do list by coordinating a playdate exchange with another family.

Shop online.

While it might seem like a no brainer, as two busy parents working full-time jobs out of the home, we really don't have time to peruse the racks and go from store to store, especially with the busyness of the stores and the traffic.  Often, we have the ships mailed/shipped directly to the recipient because our family is all out of town.  And, of course, you can pay for gift wrapping (or leave it to your wonderful parents or in-laws to do it for you and save you some money.

Bank on the go or online

Often, our family "goes in" together on gifts meaning we getting a bigger dollar item and split the cost.  Fortunately, we all use Bank of America.  I easily set up mobile banking with secure access by download the mobile banking app.  I am able to instantly transfer money to them to cover my part of a gift and not leave it for another time, or mailing them a check.  If my computer is nearby, I will do it online.  Of course, I often check balances, and do all of my bill paying online as well.  If you didn't budget (see my first tip), you can sign up for text banking and you’ll be able to send a text message to get your balance instantly in a reply.

Win It! One lucky Really, Are You Serious? reader will receive a pre-loaded $50 gift card from Bank of America.

For your first entry: Answer the following question: What are some ways you get back time during the busy holiday season?

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Details:
*OPEN TO US ONLY!
*Winners are chosen by random, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all in one!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*Contest ends Wednesday, December 22nd at 9pm EST. Winner will be posted shortly after.
*Rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bank of America and received a Bank of America preloaded gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.  This contest is hosted and fulfilled solely by Really, Are You Serious? blog.