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    Time-Saving Tips for the Holiday Season from Bank of America #getbackmtm (& $50 Giveaway Ends 12/27)

    By 980 Comments

    The holidays are usually all about rushing and spending money that I wanted to share a few time-saving tips for the holiday season.

    1. Set up a Babysitting or playdate exchange – Gain kid-free time to complete last minute holiday shopping and preparing by coordinating a playdate exchange with another family.  (No more wrapping presents at midnight!)
    2. Make sure the item you need is in stock (especially if it is a hot item) before you waste your time trekking to the store.  Many stores now offer online purchasing where you can pick-up directly in the store usually with express pick-up lines.  If your store doesn’t offer that, make a quick call and ask them to check store inventory and put it on hold if they can.
    3. Wrap it up: Socialize and wrap up your holiday duties by inviting your friends over to chat, nosh and yes, wrap gifts! Everyone brings a roll of wrapping paper, ribbons and other decorative elements to share with the group. Also, watch for “free gift wrapping” promotions from online merchants. Sometimes you may have to spend a certain amount to get the promotion to kick in, but it may be worth it given the time you’ll save on the backend.
    4. No more backtracking! A lesser-known “route planner” feature on MapQuest helps you save both time and money by mapping out an entire journey – with multiple stops – all in one convenient step. You can add up to 26 destinations along any route, and the tool gives you the fastest route. Since launching in July, it has saved North Americans more 3.2 million miles!

    I also wanted to share a few tips on how using the Bank of America tools can help you save time this holiday season.  Saving time with your bank frees you up to take care of other holiday planning and shopping, or to just re-lax for a few minutes!

    1. Online Banking – I signed up for online banking the day I opened my account (seven years ago!) and love it.  I can check my account anytime to make sure I have money to cover all my holiday purchases (and bills).  I also pay all my bills on their secure online banking site so I don’t incur additional costs of mailing bills or paying them late.  The Bank of America online banking system is super easy to use and navigate and whether I am checking my balance, paying a bill, or transferring money – it is all easy!
    2. ATM Banking – I know it may be scary but I use my Bank of America ATM more often than an actual teller.  I can pull up and feed checks or cash into the ATM with no envelopes or deposit slips.  Then I print a receipt with the check images right on it and a list of cash deposited on the receipt.  I love that I don’t have to waste time filling out a deposit slip as the ATM validates the check on the back with my information.  I have never had a problem with this and love the esay conveince that I can do it before/after bank hours.
    3. Mobile Banking – You can download the mobile banking app and check balances, transfer money, pay bills, and locate ATMs.  You can also sign up text banking where you can send a text message to get your balance instantly in a reply.  My husband uses this on his iPhone since he is on that more than an actual computer!

    Want to learn more about time-saving and other finance tips?  Follow @BofA_Tips on Twitter!

    VISIT: Check out some Personal Finance Tips from Bank of America.

    WIN IT: (1) US winner will receive a pre-loaded $50 gift card from Bank of America that can be used anywhere!

    TO ENTER:  Leave a comment answering “What are some ways you get back time during the busy holiday season?”


    (Style of the card varies)

    Extra Entries (Only valid after you answer Main Entry above and Please leave a comment for each):
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    #GIVEAWAY: Win a $50 Visa Bank of America Gift Card! @mamasmoney (Ends 12/27) http://bit.ly/fLQRlr
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    Please leave me a comment for EACH entry. This contest ends December 27, 2010. Thanks everyone and good luck! Also, if you just put a generic comment like “I want to Win” then I will have to disqualify you. Once per household please.

    Mama’s Money Savers Disclosure: 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 Mama’s Money Savers.  Please see my Disclosure Policy.

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    Comments

    28. Tara says

      I try and shop online to save time. The holidays are so crazy.. and busy.. it really is hard to save time. But lists help me stay organized, therefore saves me time.

      Thank you 🙂
      Tara
      cloudspassby78 (at) yahoo (dot) com

      Reply

    41. Gaines Simmons says

      I get back time during the holidays by not accepting every party invitation I receive. I am following, liking, joining and subscribing.

      Reply

    44. brian e. says

      Thanks for the giveaway…we get back time during the busy holiday season by allowing ample travel time so we don’t feel rushed / late due to the inevitable traffic, inclement weather, etc.

      senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

      Reply

    59. Michelle Tucker says

      I get back time by going shopping at places like Walmart in the middle of the night. No crowds and I can get in and out really quickly.
      michedt (at) gmail (dotcom)

      Reply

    74. Candi C. says

      To get back time I combine shopping trips or baking sessions to complete multiple tasks at one time.
      chocolatecoffeedog at gmail dot com

      Reply

    99. Jacob says

      It may seem odd but my way to get back time is by being the person that volunteers to bring chips or coke to the party; whether it’s family or work. That way I just bring that stuff and I save the time that would be spent buying groceries, preparing a meal and cleaning up the mess.

      Reply

    118. Priscilla says

      I save time by shopping online for Christmas gifts. I save loads of travel time!

      priscilla(dot)a(dot)escobar(at)gmail(dot)com

      Reply

    135. Kellie Conklin says

      I save time by making lists and planning out routes before I go anywhere! To me, nothing wastes time more than meandering through stores or driving back and forth, so I take care of these things before I leave the house! Thanks for the giveaway!
      [email protected]

      Reply

    137. Marie says

      One way I save time is by doing my shopping throughout the year as I find sales and bargains, so that when the holidays arrive I have a lot less to do or even to worry about.

      Reply

    138. sheila says

      Because of the rare medical disorders that I deal with 24/7, I am extremely conscious of how much time and effort I can save. Years ago I learned to do most of my Christmas shopping in the summer, taking advantage of clearance sales. During the holidays I choose simple but easy to prepare dishes to serve. And, I use the internet to check and see if a store has an item I wish before wasting time, energy and gas to go to a store location only to find the item is not in stock.

      Reply

    143. Anne says

      I delegate, for example this year my son baked most of our Christmas cookies, and my daughter did our Christmas cards.

      Reply

    157. PBPD says

      Hi–I started leaving comments with my entries a couple hours ago but had to leave. Now I’m back to finish!
      –Following on Networked Blogs

      Reply

    164. barbara wright says

      I shop early and if it ends up that I have last minute stuff I need, I go first thing in the morning or early at night to avoid crowds, lines, and traffic

      Reply

    178. Rosey says

      Wrapping presents as they come in the door instead of saving them all for just before the holiday works wonders in getting me some time back.

      Reply

    196. Sarah L says

      This year, I saved time for our “at home” gifts by assigning us each a paper. DIdn’t have to take forever getting gift tags filled out, or searching for who’s gift was wh’s. Worked like a dream!

      Reply

    226. Kristy H says

      I try to buy things thruout the year, so I’m not running around like crazy the last week before Xmas! I got about 1/2 the kids gifts in the summertime, which was a blessing seeing as they are the hardest ones to buy for!

      Reply

    228. Angela Winesburg says

      I try to do the bulk of my shopping on Cyber Monday. There are great deals that usually offer free shipping and you don’t have to deal with the crowds at the mall, thanks!

      Reply

    239. ShellieAndBrutus says

      I started my Christmas shopping for next year TODAY. Then throughout the year I buy gifts here and there at sales or at good prices. That way I don’t have to use a credit card, and I have all my shopping done by October at the latest. No scrambling at the last minute!

      Reply

    249. Jaque says

      I always wake up an hour before the rest of my family. I use this time to enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee and to putter a bit before the hectic day begins. 🙂 Thank you.

      Reply

    252. Salleefur/Jesslyn says

      It’s what I do BEFORE the last two weeks that frees up the time! Earlier in the month – I prepare as much as I can that can be frozen when it comes to holiday meals. I also do my shopping EARLY (all year ’round really) and mostly ONLINE. And of course, my Honey/Hubby does all of our banking online – with Bank of America…

      jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com

      Reply

    253. April says

      Plan your shopping and trips ahead of time, do as much shopping as possible online and ensure that the stores have what you want in stock before you go. Use a trip planner so that you don’t have to backtrack or waste time driving.

      Reply

    256. nanjhall says

      I try and get back time by baking and cooking earlier in the month and freezing the food until we need during the holiday week.

      Reply

    260. tallcapp says

      I do most of my shopping in early November, so I don’t have to worry about time near the holidays. I just relax and enjoy the good mood all around.

      Reply

    261. Lorena Keech says

      We’ve agreed to exchange only Christmas ornaments among our group of friends. So my shopping is SO much easier!

      Reply

    267. Chrysa says

      I try to buy gifts throughout the year so that I don’t have to cram in all my Christmas shopping during this busy season.

      Reply

    281. Melissa Barnes says

      this year i have given my time, helping at with programs at kids school and helping teachers prepare for projects

      Reply

    289. latisha depoortere says

      I save so much time by shopping online and I also start shopping early!Great giveaway thank you!
      tishajean@ charter.net

      Reply

    290. Jillian says

      my favorite way to get back time during the holidays is to christmas shop year round so that i’m just about done by november

      Reply

    298. Kim H. says

      The recession hit our family hard this year. I’ve cut back on gift giving, card sending and parties and it has been terrific! I think marketing had me doing too much, and simple holidays are the most fun! It’s like being a kid again. The magic is back!

      Reply

    310. Gena says

      I really like to get back time by maximizing the actual time that I do have. When I have a day off from work for the holidays I don’t sleep in. I get up early in the morning and do whatever I want to do that day and don’t waste a minute.

      Reply

    320. Jennifer R says

      Well my saving time all year and especially during the holiday season is having most of my groceries delivered to my house.

      Reply

    328. Aisling says

      I get time back by shopping throughout the year so that by December I’m nearly done. I try to address cards by Thanksgiving, so I can take time to write personal notes at my leisure. Another way we save time is that our family stopped wrapping presents in paper several years ago. We have some sturdy, cute boxes and some fabric wrap that we use. What we give this year will be recycled next year. (It saves money too.) mcgillrmcgill(at)charter(dot)net

      Reply

    345. Debbie C says

      I have most of the gifts bought well before the holidays. I usually money as well as time and lots of stress from shopping is avoided.

      dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com

      Reply

    353. Cori Westphal says

      I like to make a good solid list. I get in, get what I need, and get out. No browsing for me!

      coriwestphal at msn dot com

      Reply

    359. Alice in B'ham says

      I try to keep my shopping to one trip. Each stop has it’s own list and any coupons are with its corresponding list.

      Reply

    402. Jennifer Miller says

      I get back time, particularly during the holidays, by cleaning the house daily for about 15 minutes, room by room. This gives me so much time back that it’s like having an “extra” day to just spend with the family doing what we want rather than doing housework and missing out.

      Reply

    425. Chad B says

      The best way to save time is using everything digital that you can. For those that must go to the stores, bar code scanners are quite popular on smartphones and can turn a walmart trip into an awesome online trip saving time and money!

      Reply

    443. Amanda Davis says

      The internet in general saves me a ton of time, energy and money. I live out in the country and it takes an hour to get anywhere, so being able to do things online (shop, bank, bills, etc) is a huge time saver, especially during the holidays. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

      Reply

    453. Joanna @ FeedingThePrices says

      I involve my kids in my holiday “chores”- Baking, wrapping, cleaning… they are entertained, and I get things done faster!

      Reply

    459. Leanne says

      This year I made sure I had a majority of shopping done before Thanksgiving and then I have done alot of online shopping so all I need to do is open the door to the porch and my gifts are there waiting!!

      Reply

    463. Leigh B. says

      Try to get all my shopping done before the week of Christmas…using the Internet to have things mailed to me helps alot.

      Reply

    468. Crystal F says

      The biggest time saver I can think of for this time of the year is to shop online. This way you can avoid the long lines and hassled shoppers. thank you!

      Reply

    490. Erika says

      I save time by shopping online. This year, I’m 8 months pregnant and was on bedrest for a good while – I simply couldn’t shop in-store. So I did 90% of my shopping online (and send hubs out for the other 10%, haha!) But it saves tons of time and money!
      Thanks

      Reply

    538. Kathleen says

      I shop early and shop online. I much prefer this so I can have my shopping done and wrapped in advance so I can actually enjoy the holidays instead of stressing out.

      kport207 at gmail dot com

      Reply

    540. Chantel says

      I don’t think I entered this one!

      I get time back by keeping it simple and making the season laasst…beyond Christmas and into the new year. 🙂 That way you don’t have to do it all at once!!

      Reply

    547. Michelle says

      This year I “got back time” by doing most of my shopping online. I saved a ton of time, hassle, and stress by shopping from the comfort of my home after putting kids to bed at night. I was able to get some great deals too!

      Reply

    557. eileen says

      OH my gosh, I do the call ahead to stores too and not only ask them to check if it’s in stock, but to hold for hubby to pick up. I have not been able to shop a lot instore for years so we have saved LOTS of time…not just during the Holidays.

      we also try to use and re use gift bags and avoid a lot of wrapping, especially for older kids. It saves SO much time and also on bows and tape!

      thanks much!

      Reply

    590. Cynthia R says

      I send out photo christmas cards printed from Shutterfly and I order some things online and have the company send directly to them, saves me time from going to the post office and often shipping is free with purchase

      Reply

    596. Cathy says

      I wait until my parents come for Christmas, and then tackle my to do list while they’re entertaining the kids. I also try to freeze goodies like cookies and cookie dough ahead of time. Thank you for the giveaway!

      Reply

    607. Maria P. says

      I write out my Christmas cards in late summer/early fall. This way I won’t be tempted to skip doing them when time is short near the holidays.

      Reply

    625. Kelly T. says

      I make sure that I schedule but don’t over schedule my time during the holidays. Doing so, allows me to spend more time with my family and not be stressed out – which is most important!

      Reply

    641. nan says

      this is the first year i have done alot of online shopping and i love it…no traffic, no out of stock..no crabby kid
      nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

      Reply

    642. Reese says

      I save time buy banking from my smart phone while I’m on a bus going to work. Also, I can shop from my phone/online.

      Reply

    663. Stacy says

      I make sure I plan in advance- everything from extra gifts for unexpected company to planning my holiday menu so I don’t have to run to the store fifty times!
      nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

      Reply

    666. Kelly says

      I save all of my wrapping for one day! It saves me having to bring out and put away wrapping supplies multiple times, and it gives me a way to watch hours of Christmas movies (while still accomplishing something). It’s become a tradition of mine, and I actually look forward to my wrapping day every year!

      Reply

    667. Dot Sandman says

      I try to do most of my shopping at home on line! thank you for a chance to win! Follow and tweet as DotMarie1 and liked on facebook.

      Reply

    678. wcc says

      I save time during the holiday season by shopping before Thanksgiving, shopping online and making sure that I always go out with a list. Thanks for the chance! 🙂

      Reply

    688. momznite says

      Keeping decorating simple gives me back time and looks elegant. I also order gifts online and have them delivered directly to long distance recipients.
      momznite_at_yahoo_daught_com

      Reply

    690. Sharon Harmon says

      I buy all wrapping paper, cards, tags, ribbons, etc., in mid-November when the selection is greatest and the crowds are smaller. 😉

      Reply

    742. Kristi C says

      I never go out without a list of what I need to buy. I have my husband and older children help out more around the house during the holiday season.

      Reply

    746. Denise B. says

      There’s no time I need to get back. I always do things in smaller stages, prep work, until it all comes together.

      Reply

    755. 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

      Reply

    759. Samantha cedeno says

      Since my husband has been working long hours it’s been just the kids and i. Which makes it hard to play Santa, however I have been able to do all my shopping online. Saves time and money.

      Reply

    767. Barbara M says

      This is a bit different.
      I get time back from doing regular cardio workouts – they energize me!
      Thank you.
      barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

      Reply

    773. ohkeeka says

      I do as much shopping online as I possibly can. And I start baking cookies a few weeks in advance and freeze the dough–I bake it the week of Christmas so the cookies are still fresh!

      Reply

    774. Diane R. says

      I use the internet a lot. Not only for online shopping but also for checking traffic conditions, sales, product reviews,, store hours and other things that save me time.

      Reply

    775. Sheila says

      I buy gift cards for those adults who live out of state. Since I don’t know what they need/want/like, I’m letting them choose for themselves. That way I don’t have to wander the stores, wrap or pay for shipping.
      I also do a cookie exchange every year with several dozen others. We end up with a very large assortment of cookies; and this saves me from having to mix up a lot of different recipes. I make a very large batch of 1 kind to share.

      Reply

    779. Bonnie P says

      We have three birthdays in December. We take one weekend and celebrate them all on that day. One cake, one family dinner and only one mess to clean up.
      bepoia(at)hotmail(dot)com

      Reply

    782. Suzanne K says

      I get back time by using Office Depot for stuff that I used to do at the post office! I can drop off a package to be shipped USPS, pay the same rate (sometimes even get Office Depot coupons to save money), and NO LINES! Plus it’s much quicker to get in and out of the parking lot.

      Reply

    783. TtaxColleen says

      Post-its, post-its, post-its! Could not exist without them and they help me constantly save time in whatever I’m doing.

      Reply

    784. Scott Martin says

      I am a total multi-tasker. You have to be when you are a single dad. It has been hard and somewhat restrictive, but totally worth it. You also need to schedule time for play otherwise we all go insane.

      THANKS for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!

      Scott Martin
      [email protected]

      Reply

    787. paige chandler says

      I hire a maid to clean up after Christmas Eve dinner and the Christmas day mess made by the kids. It’s the best money i spend during the holiday season.

      Reply

    792. Alicia Webster says

      I do everything that I can ahead of time (no procrastinating) and I make sure that I never feel rushed or overwhelmed. I also get up early and get a lot done when everyone else is asleep.

      Reply

    794. Theron Willis says

      I get back time by doing all of my shopping through the Amazon.com websight. This saves time that otherwise would be devoted to driving back and forth between stores.

      Hope to win!

      Reply

    799. Tamara B. says

      I always try to shop online and if not I shop at stores that offer free gift wrapping which is a big time saver for me.
      tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

      Reply

    803. Lynda E. says

      We’re not folks who buy our tree early, so since we wait to get it, right before we put it up, we give the house one really good cleaning and then forget about the chores until we take it down – except for the bathroom of course!

      Reply

    806. Peter says

      We’ve taken advantage of our church’s parents’ day out program before to get a little kid-free time, though with our kid in school it’s not as needed as it was before. We try to do shopping online to not have to deal with crowds at the malls and stores. There are lots of little things, but these are the the ones that help the most.

      Reply

    824. Victoria Lester says

      I get back time around the holiday’s by avoiding the stores and long lines and shop online.
      flophasit at yahoo dot com

      Reply

    839. Madeline says

      I so no to excess parties, holiday to dos, and general business of the season. Instead we just spend time with our families and enjoy each other.

      Reply

    850. Margaret Smith says

      I try to make some big meals during the weekends, so we have plenty of leftovers that we use for dinners during the week.
      Thanks so much.
      rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

      Reply

    864. Kim says

      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!

      Reply

    909. Amy says

      Coworkers and I have wrapping parties during lunch hour and breaks. We bring in gifts and as we have time everyone pitches in to wrap a couple at a time till everything is done!

      Reply

    921. Donna B. says

      I do all of my shopping online – heck I even do my grocery shopping online now! I save tons of time, not only shopping for presents but wrapping and mailing them.

      Reply

    948. Donna Warrington says

      I “get back” time by doing all my holiday shopping online, I havent’ been near a mall since Halloween.

      Donna

      Reply

    967. Jackie says

      I make a list of what I need when going out. If I have a lot to do, I like to go early in the morning before the malls get crowded. Last Friday, my husband and I wanted to go out to eat, so I took my list and we headed to the mall. We had a nice night together shopping. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
      jackievillano at gmail dot com

      Reply

    975. Stephanie says

      I keep a running list of gift ideas for the people we exchange gifts with- as I buy items I mark them on the list. I can see at a glance what I’ve done, what I still need to do, and what my ideas are for each person. Great way to stay on top of things and save time!

      Reply

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