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

ByKrystyn fun, tip
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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.

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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.

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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?

Extra Entries:

  • Follow BofA_Tips on Twitter to learn more about time-saving and other finance tips.
  • Subscribe to Really, Are You Serious via email (you must verify) (3 entries).
  • Follow Really, Are You Serious publicly via google friend connect-Link on bottom center (1 entry).
  • “Like” Really, Are You Serious? on Facebook (Leave user name)-(1 entry).
  • Leave a new and relevant comment on another post; let me know which post(1 entry per comment- limit five).
  • Enter any of my active giveaways (1 entry each)
  • Follow me on twitter: @SeriousKrystyn (1 entry)
  • Add my button to your blog-Leave a comment with the link (2 entries)
  • Tweet (once daily;1 entry per tweet; leave the url link to your tweet):

  • Enter to #win a $50 Bank of America gift card from @SeriousKrystyn #giveaway http://bit.ly/dJ6QBL

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.

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310 Comments

  1. Online shopping is definitely how I avoid the time thief!

  2. I always make time for myself.

  3. I subscribe to Really, are you serious emails

  4. I like Really, are you serious on facebook

  5. I commented on your post about the Christmas stamps

  6. To save time I keep a big batch of sugar cookie dough in the freezer for those spur of the moment needs for parties or get together.

  8. I make a plan for the day. To do lists are definitely a great way to get through the holidays without wasting time. I also make sure to never overwhelm myself, and I only put reasonable items on there.

  19. what a fantastic giveaway.

    I feel like shopping on line gives me back time during the holidays.

    Banking on line certainly does!

  22. Your button is on my blog. I think. Will double check.

  23. Jessie C. says:

    I do most shopping online to save time during the busy holiday season!
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  24. Jessie C. says:

    Follow BofA_Tips on Twitter@tcarolinep

  25. Jessie C. says:

    Email subscriber
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  26. Jessie C. says:

    Email subscriber
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  27. Jessie C. says:

    Email subscriber
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  28. Jessie C. says:

    google friend connect follower
    JC

  29. Jessie C. says:

    “Like” Really, Are You Serious? on Facebook @tcarolinep JessieKatie S

  30. Jessie C. says:

    follow you on twitter@tcarolinep

  34. I do most of my shopping online and try to have it all completed before the 1st of December rolls around!

  35. I have saved time this holiday season by shopping online. Keeps me focused and from buying something for myself! Plus, I don’t have to bring Connor to a mall where germs are lurking 🙂

  37. I have entered the Cradle Rock giveaway.

  38. I have entered the affordable scarves giveaway.

  39. I have entered The Soft Landing giveaway.

  40. I get back time by doing my shopping online.

  41. I follow BofATips on Twitter (@mami2jcn)

  46. I like you on Facebook under the name Mary Happymommy

  47. I sometimes just go to my room for about 30 minutes to read or my husband takes kids to park and sometimes we just take the day off from everything
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  48. follow BOAT on twitter @chelleb36
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  50. google follower
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  51. email subscriber #1
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  52. like on fb (michelle b)
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  53. tweet-http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/15219950641750017

  54. twitter follower @chelleb36
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  55. email subscriber #2
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  56. email subscriber #3
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  58. mrs. hils says:

    C’mon $50!

  59. mrs. hils says:

    I could buy $50 worth of kitty litter. Or maybe I will just win some from the other giveaway!

  60. mrs. hils says:

    Will I spend $25 of these dollars on a kitchen scale? Not if I win one!!!

  61. I try to get back time by making/freezing some meals ahead of time.

  66. I entered the Eat Smart Kitchen Scale giveaway.

  67. I entered the Crazy dog giveaway.

  68. I entered the Kitty Litter giveaway.

  69. I try to save time by making lists to keep me on track (for gifts I need to get and things I need to get done before Christmas)

  74. Barbara M says:

    This is a bit different.
    I get back time by working out – cardio invigorates me!
    Thank you.
    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

  75. Barbara M says:

    Follow BofA_Tips on Twitter @JalapenoMama
    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

  76. Barbara M says:

    New confirmed email subscriber.
    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
    #1

  77. Barbara M says:

    New confirmed email subscriber.
    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
    #2

  78. Barbara M says:

    New confirmed email subscriber.
    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
    #3

  79. Barbara M says:

    Follow you publicly – Google Friend Connect (Barbara Montag)
    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

  80. Barbara M says:

    Like you on Facebook (Barbara Montag)
    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

  81. Barbara M says:

    I follow you on Twitter @JalapenoMama
    barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

  85. I shop for Christmas throughout the year. Keeps me from having to run around to different stores looking for gifts.

  86. Follow Bank of America on twitter @pixie13sweeps

  87. email subscriber

  88. I follow you on twitter @pixie13sweeps

  90. I get back time by shopping mostly on line. Saves gas, energy, and time. And stress!

  91. I am following BoAtips on twitter.

  92. I am one of your GFC followers.

  93. I am following you on facebook (Rust Hawk)

  94. I am following you on twitter @rusthawk.

  95. I use gift bags instead of spending tons of time wrapping presents!

  96. I do most of my shopping online. That really helps me save time.

  97. A friend and I double up on errands so we each only have to do half as many.

  98. I follow on GFC.

  99. Who wouldn’t like an extra $50?

  101. I make lists of what I need and while I’m out or on my way to or from somewhere, I’ll go ahead and stop while I’m out. It also useful to have other family members contribute.

  102. I Follow BofA_Tips on Twitter: @pinklady705

  103. I subscribe to your emails.

    entry#1

  104. I subscribe to your emails.

    entry#2

  105. I subscribe to your emails.

    entry#3

  106. I like you on facebook

  107. following you on twitter: @pinklady705

  108. We actually focus on our family for the season. We appreciate the time off from work my husband gets to be home with the kids and myself so we concentrate on us. We have lots of hot cocoa nights and movie snuggles, driving around and voting on the house with the best lights outside etc. We attend a family Christmas Eve party where we see everyone all at once on my in laws side and then after we have a lazy Christmas morning together we visit at my mother’s house for the day and see family in that area. So we don’t have too much running around to do, we just focus on us.

  109. i am an email subscriber

    hiccupapparel at yahoo dot com

  110. i am an email subscriber

    hiccupapparel at yahoo dot com

    #2

  111. i am an email subscriber

    hiccupapparel at yahoo dot com

    #3

  112. i like you on FB @becky barrett beitzel

  113. I follow via GFC as LoveCubed

  114. i follow you on twitter @beckybeitzel

  115. i tweeted @beckybeitzel

  116. i shop online and wrap presents 30 mins each day- i set the timer.
    tcogbill at live dot com

  117. i follow you gfc
    tcogbill at live dot com

  118. i get your emails 1
    tcogbill at live dot com

  119. i get your emails 2
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  120. i get your emails 3
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  121. I write lists and do some comparision shopping before going to the store or ordering online, with both I can usually get all my shopping done in 1 day

  126. I follow this blog publicly GFC CindyWindy2003,

  132. I get back time by doing all of my Christmas shopping online. No hassle with traffic or long lines 🙂

  133. Followed BoA on Twitter
    @Lindsay_Blogs

  136. I follow you on Twitter
    @Lindsay_Blogs

  137. Sheila Hickmon says:

    I get back time by ordering online. I can get almost everything I need in one day!
    Thanks!

  138. Sheila Hickmon says:

    BOA Twitter follower {mom2anutball}

  139. Sheila Hickmon says:

    Your Twitter follower {mom2anutball}

  140. Sheila Hickmon says:

    Google Friend Connect Follower! {mom2anutball}

  141. Sheila Hickmon says:

    Your Facebook Fan! (Sheila Hickmon)

  143. I purchase pre prepped veggies or anything that will cut down on kitchen time. I also only buy gift cards that will ship direct to the receiver.

    evrywoman@yahoo.com

  152. I do most of my shopping online rather then dealing with the crowds in the stores — that saves a lot of time and frustration!

  153. I follow BofA on twitter — doodlebug40.

  154. I follow via GFC

  155. I follow you on twitter — doodlebug40.

  157. Banking online is truly what saves me during the holiday season! I can easily keep track of my spending and all of the accounts that I have. It makes this time of the year much less stressful!

  159. I like you on Facebook!

    Jessica Ro******

  160. I follow you on Twitter via @mycomplicated.

  161. I am bad at organizing things to make more time for me. So, instead I stay up late and wake up early. I will sleep in 2011…maybe!

  162. Following BofA on Twitter…flyinggiggles

  163. Already like you on Facebook….Michelle Martel

  164. Already following on twitter…flyinggiggles

  170. I shop online to save time.

  172. Kathy Rambousek says:

    I try to take time for myself to recharge and refocus on the true meaning for Christmas.

  173. Kathy Rambousek says:

    following BOA tips on Twitter

  174. Kathy Rambousek says:

    email subscriber

  175. Kathy Rambousek says:

    email subscriber #2

  176. Kathy Rambousek says:

    email subscriber #3

  177. Kathy Rambousek says:

    follow w/GFC

  178. Kathy Rambousek says:

    “like” you on FB
    Kathy Cheeseman Rambousek

  179. Kathy Rambousek says:

    Twitter follower
    LKARambo

  182. One way I get back time during the holidays is planning out how to spend my time, and choosing the most valuable ways I can do so.

  183. I try to get my shopping done early and avoid the stores around this time.

  184. Follow BoA on twitter @amandawk

  185. Follow BoA on twitter #2 @amandawk

  186. Follow BoA on twitter #3 @amandawk

  187. Follow on twitter @amandawk

  189. To get back time, i try to do a lot of my christmas shopping ahead of time.

  190. Follow BofaTips on twitter @lkim496

  191. Follow you on google friend connect

  192. Follow you on twitter @lkim496

  196. We turn off all the lights, turn on the camping lamps and camp radio and play board games as a family. Its so much more fun in the dark with no other distractions like the tv and gaming divices.

  197. I subscribe

  200. I get back time by just having time to myself to relax on the computer or reading a book

  201. Follow BofA tips on Twitter

  202. GFC follower

  203. Your Twitter follower

  207. I get back time by putting gifts in gift bags instead of wrapping them!

  208. I follow Bof A Tips on Twitter @Melahelen!

  209. I follow with Google Friend Connect

  211. I follow you on Twitter @Melahelen!

  213. It takes forever to wrap presents, so I hire a neighbor’s daughter to wrap them for me. Saves me tons of time and gives her a little more spending money for the holidays!

  214. Following BofA_Tips on Twitter (BreezyKim)

  216. Following Really, Are You Serious publicly via google friend connect (Kim)

  217. Following you on Twitter (BreezyKim)

  222. Raven In A Blue Room says:

    I get back time by banking and shopping online

    Thank you for hosting this giveaway

    Louis
    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

  223. Raven In A Blue Room says:

    following @BofA_Tips on twitter @left_the_stars

    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

  224. Raven In A Blue Room says:

    Google Friends Connect – following your blog publicly as Louis

    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

  225. Raven In A Blue Room says:

    I like your blog on facebook (Louis Here)

    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

  226. Raven In A Blue Room says:

    following you on twitter @left_the_stars

    schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

  230. I “give back” by giving to my neighbors and kids’ teachers in one of the best ways I know how….I bake!

  236. i do all my shopping online and request giftwrap
    tattgiff at centurytel dot net

  237. email sub1
    tattgiff at centurytel dot net

  238. email2
    tattgiff at centurytel dot net

  239. email3
    tattgiff at centurytel dot net

  240. gfc follower
    tattgiff at centurytel dot net

  241. fb fan
    tattgiff at centurytel dot net

  242. twitter follower
    thank you!
    tattgiff at centurytel dot net

  244. We like to spend lots of time baking cookies and wrapping gifts for the fam together. I love having my kids help! And that way we kill two birds with one stone – spending time together and creating things to share for Christmas!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  245. I follow BOA on Twitter @coriwestphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  246. I’m a Google Friend (follower): Cori Westphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  247. I like you on FB: Cori Eckstrom Westphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  248. I follow you on Twitter @coriwestphal

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  256. I keep my eyes open for Christmas gifts all year long to take advantage of sales and unique finds- saves a lot of time later!

  257. I like you on Facebook
    (as the name in my email address)

  258. I follow you publicly on GFC

  259. I make a very specific gift list so I don’t spend time wandering around the shops looking for inspiration. I do have a couple alternate gifts listed in case I find a really good sale

  266. Online shopping and making a master list ahead of time. I also have a small “holiday” notebook with pockets in it. I keep my receipts in there along with my gift list, menus, etc.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

  267. BofA follower on twitter @suburbsanity.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

  268. gfc follower.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

  269. Following you on twitter @suburbsanity.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

  272. I use gift bags so I save time on wrapping.

  273. Trisha Lynn says:

    I make lists for everything! It saves me alot of time and patience and I feel calm at the holidays!

  274. Trisha Lynn says:

    I subscribe by email!

  275. Trisha Lynn says:

    I subscribe by email! 2

  276. Trisha Lynn says:

    I subscrib by email1 3

  277. Trisha Lynn says:

    I follow on google friend!

  278. Trisha Lynn says:

    I like you on FB TRisha B

  279. Trisha Lynn says:

    I follow you on twitter!

  281. Deanna G. says:

    I do one of the things you said: I shop online! In fact, I do all my shopping online. It saves a tremendous amount of time & frustration.

  282. Deanna G. says:

    I follow BofA_Tips on Twitter as “calidreamin87”

  283. I try not to overextend myself! If I don’t want to do something and it isn’t important, I try to find a way to get out of it, leaving time for things that are important!

  284. Deanna G. says:

    I subscribe to Really, Are You Serious via email.
    #1

  285. Deanna G. says:

    I subscribe to Really, Are You Serious via email.
    #2

  286. Deanna G. says:

    I subscribe to Really, Are You Serious via email.
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  287. Deanna G. says:

    I follow on GFC via Twitter.

  289. Deanna G. says:

    I follow you on Twitter as “calidreamin87”

  291. Deanna G. says:

    Entered the Tassimo T20 Brewbot giveaway.

  293. Sheila K. says:

    I do all of my holiday shopping online now!

    skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

  297. I entered the World’s Best Cat Litter Giveaway.

  298. I entered the Toms’s Giveaway.

  299. I entered the Tassimo giveaway.

  300. I subscribe via email.
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  301. I subscribe via email.
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  302. I subscribe via email.
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  303. I like BOA on twitter (LuckyDuckyToo)

  304. I follow via gfc.

  305. I like you on FB (Mari Doug)

  307. I follow you on twitter (LuckyDuckyToo)

  309. Kathy Rambousek says:

    tweet
    Enter to #win a $50 Bank of America gift card from @SeriousKrystyn #giveaway http://bit.ly/dJ6QBL

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