With Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, it’s seriously time for me to get my budget in check. One of the things I like to do in advance of my holiday spending is to make gift lists. Here’s my process.
1. Make a list of everyone that I need to buy for and set a limit for each. Obviously this helps with the big gifts, but it also helps me stay in budget with all of the “little gifts” for teachers, babysitters and long lost cousins that add up at the last minute. You know exactly what I’m talking about!
2. All major gifts (electronics, hot toys and games) get researched for the best deals before purchase. I don’t love Black Friday (I’m more of a Cyber Monday gal), but I would stand in line for 50% or more off a must-have Christmas item. Knowing how much each item costs at retail and the lowest advertised price helps me get more bang for my buck.
3. Make all purchases between Thanksgiving and two weeks before Christmas. The best way to avoid overspending is to buy everything as far in advance of Christmas as possible. When I buy gifts last minute I ALWAYS overspend.
Of course, even with of of my lists and planning, the inevitable always happens— necessary & unexpected expenses come up at the most inopportune time and my bank account gets crushed.
Now I don’t know if you know this (I didn’t!), but H&R Block offers services outside of tax season. One of them is Emerald Advance, a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000.
Emerald Advance is easy to apply for, you just need to make an appointment at your local H&R Block and bring an unexpired government-issued photo ID and your most recent pay stub — you don’t need to be an H&R Block client to apply! Once approved, you choose the amount of your line of credit, which is instantly loaded on a H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard. The card can be used year-round for unexpected expenses and other short-term credit needs.
Payback on Emerald Advance is easy, too. You can pay the balance with cash, Emerald Card, checking account or with a portion of your tax refund at MyEmeraldAdvance.com or through the Emerald Card Mobile Banking app.
H&R Block Emerald Advance helps you worry less about those pesky unexpected expenses without jumping through extra hoops to get the money you need.
H&R Block has asked me to help promote the Emerald Advance Line of Credit. The prize was provided and may be shipped to the winner by H&R Block, but all opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of H&R Block. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US only. Winner to be chosen at random.
Catherine R
Have a budget and shop the sales.
Brande
The Sales are great but only buy what you need!
Kelly D
My savings tip is to print percentage off coupons from online before going shopping. I always save a lot of money this way.
Lisa Brown
just keep to a specific spending amount, shop sales and us coupons to help with costs
Kelly D
I learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
Lisa Brown
i learned that I have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of my tax refund
Mary Happymommy
I learned you can apply starting November 25th.
Mary Happymommy
My saving tip is to do a secret Santa so you only have to buy for 1 person.
wendy rozema
my tip is to buy things when they go on sale and have a budget and stick to it!
Jessie C.
I learned that you can use your tax return to pay it back and it is year round credit.
Jessie C.
My tip is to make plans ahead and compare prices before making purchases. Also when shop online via cash back links.
stephanie
i look for sales
stephanie
you can apply starting November 25th.
Amanda Sakovitz
I only bring gift cards when I shop so I stay within my budget
Thomas Murphy
Shop the sales and use coupons to save money.
Kiara
My tip is to use coupons.
Debbie Jackson
i shop ahead, do not use credit and concentrate on the meaning of the season.
Debbie Jackson
I learned that if I would take a loan for a necessity, I could use my tax return to pay it back.
Janet W.
One tip is to price compare between stores to find the lowest price possible! Also, use coupons whenever possible to save even more money!
Janet W.
I learned that if I get approved, I am eligible to maintain my line of credit year-round!
Elena
my tip is to shop for gifts on sale and use coupons
Elena
I learned that if approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round
Monica Jamer
I suck at saving around the holidays. I have no tips other than to make what you can, make a list so you don’t buy more than you need and stay away from browsing stores- get what you need and get out.
Natalie
Keep a budget and don’t impulse buy!
danielle lima
always do your research online before you make a purchase to insure the best deals.
Danielle F.
My money saving tip is to not wait until the holiday season to first start shopping for holiday gifts. To save money, shop year round for gifts here and there that you know a certain someone will love when you see a great sale/deal and then just put it away until the time is right to wrap it. This also cuts down on the stress of having to get so many gifts around the same time. Also, stick to a budget! Decide in advance how much you want to spend per person and don’t go over – in fact try to find items worth the allotted amount that you can get for much less!
Danielle F.
I learned that you can pay down the balance of the Emerald Advance with a potion of your tax refund.
Jennifer Marie
I always look around at multiple stores to make sure I get the best deal.
Carol
I look for sales and use coupons.
Carol
I learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
Mary Beth Elderton
I like to take advantage of Amazon Prime and other free shipping offers–saves a lot of money and a lot of shopping stress!
Mary Beth Elderton
I learned that you can oad funds from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® for easy access
Margaret Smith
I write a budget and plan before shopping and then I try my best to stick to that budget.
Margaret Smith
I learned that you can get up to $1000, all year long.
Pam
i honestly dont believe that. you have to pay the full amount of loan before early febuary. I been with them for 16yrs and never had all year line of credit nor was offered it. I have been approved yearly for the advance but never that. Anyways its just a scam to get customers. Question. If you need a loan how do you look giving out money. I will be going to Jackson Hewitt this year, I heard they do not ask for those requirements. But I will miss my Emerald Card, lol.
Tabathia B
Not to wait until black friday for some items and to start shopping for toys when they put out the toy book, price match when possible and to use coupons if possible
latanya
try to shop year round for gifts and do price comparisons
latanya
The Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000, depending on bank approval.
Sonya Morris
Make a list and stick to it and try not to buy too early because when the good sales start you will be tempted to buy more.
Gina
I keep track of prices starting in September, so if there’s a “big ticket” item I’m looking for or a toy for the kids, I know when a sale price is a good price.
Amber
My holiday savings tip is to make unique homemade gifts instead of storebought ones! I’m a great baker so I end up baking stollen, panettone and other goodies!
Amber
I learned that once you qualify, you are eligible for the $1000 credit year round!
Soha Molina
I use coupons.
Wendie Lather
Homemade gifts can cut down on shopping expenses.
Theresa Jenkins
setting a budget and setting up a Christmas club so I could pay a little at a time
amy pugmire
I like to shop all year round whenever there is a sale that way I am not spending money or money I don’t have the month before the holidays
amy pugmire
I learned that Load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard for easy access
vera
I like to give myself an allowance and set money aside a few months in advance so it doesn’t hit us hard since I’m a stay at home mom. Load that money to a visa gift card and when the time comes, use that and only that. It helps me stay in my budget.
vera
I learned that you can also use your tax refund to pay off your Emerald loan.
Claudia
For Gifts ,i make Personalized Coupon Gift Books ..like walking the Dog for 30 Min. free ,1 Hour Yard Work etc. I was surprised to see how many People really love to get a homemade Coupon Gift Book like that 🙂
Claudia
once you DO qualify, you are eligible for the $1000 credit year rounD
Jacob
My tip is to write a budget for each person or family you are buying for. It’s real easy to spend too much on one person and then feel you have to buy more for others to make it even/fair and then suddenly you’re way over budget!
D SCHMIDT
I try to save money by using coupons and keeping a budget
D SCHMIDT
Visited and learned you have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose
Melissa M
Shop sales and start early
Melissa M
I learned you can get a loan of $1000
stacey b
Only buy when things are on sale! Chances are you will find what your looking for on sale
stacey b
I learned that you can use your tax refund to pay towards the balance
kim
Set a limit and stick to it that one more present wont mean that much in a few years but the credit card debt will
kim
I learned that The Emerald Advance is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000, depending on bank approval.
Lasonda
Shop the sales for the best prices.
kelley wood
coupon codes for everything! plus shop thru ebates , swagbucks, etc 🙂
Cynthia C
It’s important to set a budget. I find it helpful to research online for the best prices.
Cynthia C
I learned that you can file taxes online at H&R Block
Ann Fantom
I set a dollar limit for each person before beginning shopping, make a list for each person, and then make sure I stick to it.
Ann Fantom
I learned that you can apply for H & R Emerald Advance over the phone
Ashley C
We use cash when we’re paying for gifts, we spend less than when we use our credit or debit card
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Ava Ann Chavez
I use gift cards when shopping so I can stay in m budget.
Ava Ann Chavez
I learned that you can apply for a credit line up to a 1000 starting Nov 25th.
Amanda Hoffman
shop when theres sales and use coupons when you can
Wendy T
My tip is to make a list, check it twice, and do not deviate. If you do, it’s impulse buying and that’s what adds up to mess a budget up.
Suzanne K
I set up a budget and stick to it. I also shop year round for great sales and buy them when I find them
Suzanne K
I learned that You may apply in participating offices from November 25th 2013, through January 15th 2014
Nancy
My tip is try to combine as many sales, codes, discounts and coupons as you can to get the price down.
Nancy
I learned that the Emerald Advance will become available on November 25th.
Kathleen
shop early, use coupons and shop online
kport207 at gmail dot com
DEBIJOT
My tip is to use coupons when you can and watcfh for sales.
Susan Christy
Comparison shopping, ask for price matching, buy things on sale.
Pam Schad
Set a budget and stick to it.
DESIREE H
I save money by using coupons everywhere we go!! 🙂 It helps a lot!
DESIREE H
I learned that the late fee is $7.50 and they will not charge you more than 5 per year! 🙂
Cheryl F.
Buy all year round during sales instead of paying premium prices at the last minute. Don’t spend more than you can pay for.
Cheryl F.
I learned that there is a “36% Annual Percentage Rate (APR)”.
mickeyfan
I make a list and stick to it. It’s so easy to be trapped into buying a lot of extras!
mickeyfan
36% interest? Ouch.
Wendy T
I learned there is support available on the phone, or in person.
April Brenay
we only get our kids clothes, grandparents do toys, aunts and uncles do books. that way we don’t over spend.
Laura J
I watch for all the great deals and try to start early! Then it doesnt all hit my budget at once!
Laura J
I learned from the site that you have the ability to access credit year-round!
erica best
shopping online helps to save on sale tax and time
Crystal Sweet
I make sure to shop early…waiting until the last minute can cost you!
Crystal Sweet
I learned that you can earn cash rewards with the H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard.
Beth R
I make a list and do my best to actually try to stick to it!
Kyl Neusch
you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund
Holly Storm-Burge
In our family, we buy for the immediate family and then all of the kids in our extended families. That saves a lot over buying everyone something.
Holly Storm-Burge
I learned that you can load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald card for easy access.
Katie Roch
My tip for saving money during the holidays is to shop online through cash back sites like ebates.
rebecca shockley
Only leave the house with a set amount, if you bring something as a back-up or extra CC, that will get you in more debt everytime
rebecca shockley
I learned that they have an annual fee of $45
Ashley Hewell
I match sales with coupons.
Ashley Hewell
I learned there is a $45 fee.
courtney b
have a budget, stick to it. dont go over!
Thomas Mullins
Don’t overspend, only buy what you and your family can handle.
Catherine
I learned you can choose to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund
Mohammed I. Sherman
Wir sind nun endlich nach teetharejade.com umgezogen!We finally moved to teetharejade.com !
Lilly Campagnol
I make sure to have all the sales flyers with me when I go shopping, that way I know what costs how much and where.
Lilly Campagnol
I learned that the Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000, depending on bank approval.
Tarah
Shop the sales & make sure you research to be sure you’re getting the best deal. Also, use sites like Ebates to get money back on your purchases.
Tarah
I learned that the Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000126, depending on bank approval. Use it year-round for emergencies, car repairs, bills and other credit needs. Only borrow and repay the specific amount you need.
Sadie B.
I save by using coupons and discount codes.
Brei H.
I always look for sales, and sometimes you can pair up a sale with a coupon to score a great deal!
Just gotta be on the lookout before you shop 🙂
Rea Liz
Know exactly what you are going to buy and stick to your list.
Rea Liz
I learned that The Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000.
Tiffanee
This would be a perfect gift for my mother!
Sarah Hirsch
make a budget and don’t stray from it
Sarah Hirsch
i learned that you could sign up starting nov 25
Betty Baez
Saving tip: use cash back sites so you earn money when you shop.
Betty Baez
I learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
Sonya Morris
I learned you may apply in participating offices from November 25th 2013, through January 15th 2014.
courtney b
i learned i can use my entire tax refund to pay down the balance on my acct
Lauren Olivia Wood
I try not to impulse buy if possible!
Louly
Wait for sales, Black Friday and Cyber Monday and set aside a budget and try to maximize it as much as possible w/ coupons!
Louly
I learned that there is a $45 Fee….
harolde
I shop sales only, if it’s not on sale, I don’t buy!
Jacob LaFountaine
Tons of online coupons out there
Claudia
My tip is to have a budget for gifts, shop online sales use ebates, or shop at home to get cash back on your purchases.
Geoff K
I definitely recommend using Black Friday websites or apps to comparison shop for the best deals, and to use prepaid cards when out shopping so you have a limit for yourself (and you’re less likely to be tempted to splurge on yourself that way!).
Jessica To
I start shopping early and I watch the sale ads.
nicole
check online for discounts, double savings and discount codes
nicole
you can use part of your tax refund to pay it off
Kim
wait for the sales!
denise
Don’t overbuy just because it’s Christmas, don’t buy stupid gifts because they are a deal.
denise
I learned you can download software there.
Carolyn
SHop year round sales
wild orchid
my tip is to set a budget ahead of time and constantly watch the sales for the best deals on the items you are looking for.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
April V.
Shop in thrift stores, goodwill and salvation army – there are wonderful gifts out there waiting! Homemade gifts are also always welcome. Gifts of service and help especially are welcome to those without too many people to help out when things happen or need repairs.
Jennifer McCullar
shop online compare prices, use free shipping and discounts
Tabathia B
I learned that you can use their credit year round
Theresa Jenkins
The Emerald Advance® is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000126, depending on bank approval.
janna johnson
You can get up to a 1000 line of credit.
Gianna
If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
Geoff K
I learned that there’s an Emerald Card Mobile Banking app for managing your account on your phone or mobile device.
Jennifer Marie
I learned that you can maintain your line of credit year-round if approved.
Tamar
I learned that there are deals every week.
Tricia @ Night owl mama
I learned that there’s a $45 Annual Fee for the card and a 36% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) – Finance charge assessed on the amount drawn from your Emerald Advance
Kim Henrichs
I learned that you can pay your balance down with your tax refund. Nice!
Jacob
I learned you can use your tax refund to pay towards the balance
Wild Orchid
I learned that with this you can access to credit year-round.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Amanda Sakovitz
I learned you need a Current earnings statement to apply
DEBIJOT
I learned that Emerald Advance became available on November 25.
Ben G
I learned that I may use this year round.
Rebecca Orr
I learned that they have a mobile banking app for those with an account.
Erica Best
u can used the the card all year long
Janice Cooper
I learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund
juanita may
I learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
Brei H.
I like the ‘Manage your Health’ section. Great info on there!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Stefany
While sales are good, you have to have a budget and buy only what you need.
Kimberley Meier
I learned that you can apply for up to $1000 and use your return to pay it off!
ellen casper
l learned that you have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund
jenna d
I learned that you can get a $1000 worth of credit
soha molina
Load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® for easy access.
Jean
I learned that there is a small fee ($45) to get set up. Important to be aware of the true cost of your credit.
Sahara R
The Emerald Advance is a year-round line of credit that provides the ability to repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000126, depending on bank approval. I did not know anything about the services until now.
Daniel M
learned you can use the credit year round
Jodi Goins
i learn you can use it all year long and even get a loan.which would help a lot of folks right now around this time of year!
caliandro simona
Ho imparato che il mio metodo era già buono quindi più che altro ho avuto la conferma che lo fosse
Jeni Lutz
I learned that you can use your credit all year
Tanya White
I learned that if approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
Christina Sparks
I learned that you can earn cash rewards on the Emerald card.
courtney b
i learned you can even do your taxes online 🙂
nickie
My tip is to use coupons.
Tiffany Hearn
I like that you can repeatedly borrow and repay.
Michelle S
This card costs $45/year.
Patrice Roussell
I did not knowH&R Block had this. I would love to win and help out my Holidays.
Gwen B.
I learned that there’s a credit line available year round.
Heather B
I learned that you can use your tax return to pay down your balance
joseph gersch
i learned you can file online
Karen Drake
I learned I can use the Emerald Advance line of credit year round and I can pay it off with my tax refund.
melissa Resnick
had no idea that u can get a loan there
Marcia Goss
You can load money from your line of credit onto a prepaid card.
Crystal F
I found out that you can have your paycheck directly deposited onto H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard. thank you!
Paula Tavernie
I learned you can use it year round!
Susan Smith
I learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
Julie Lawson
You can use your tax return to pay towards your balance.
jules m.
i love that the advance is available to you year round
laurie
i learned you can use this program year round
tina d reynolds
after your initial approved you can access your credit year round when you need it
Angela Winesburg
I learned that if I get approved, I am eligible to maintain my line of credit year-round!
mary renshaw
I use coupons and check ads and even use ebates!!!! I love saving money
RICHARD HICKS
I learned it gives you Access to credit year-round
Thomas Murphy
I learned If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
Riki D
Ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose
Denise Donaldson
I learned it is a year round line of credit
Shannon
I learned that there is a minimum monthly payment of $25 or 4% of the outstanding balance, if greater.
melina r
I learned the I can qualify for up to a $1000 credit line and be able to pay it off with my tax refund.
mary renshaw
I learned that they will review previous tax years!!!!
Stephanie Larison
If approved, you could be available for credit year round.
Stephanie Larison
If approved, you could be available for credit year round. That would definitely come in handy in those tight budget moments.
Josh Turner
That it gives you acess to your credit year round
JoAnn F
I learned that you can save money by keeping a budget !
jofo120 at yahoo dot com
Julie Hawkins
I learned you can use this for emergencies and pay it down with your tax refund
Breanne
You can use it year round
Sharon
I learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose!
Sarah Marshall
I learned that you can manage the card account online! That’s great, I do everything online!
Heather Hayes Panjon
I Learned That I Can Use My Tax Refund To Pay On The Balance Of The Emerald Advance
Rajee P Pandi
Load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® for easy access.
Ellie W
I learned that The Emerald Advance is a year-round line of credit.
Bryan E.
Thanks for the giveaway…Cardholders have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of their tax refund, if you so choose
Sand
I learned that If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
Christian Alejandro
I like that it runs and is available all year.
Barbara Montag
I learned that you have credit all year around – thank you.
Buddy Garrett
I learned credit is available year round.
Wendy McBride
I learned that Emerald card lets you borrow a line of credit up to 1000 year round with bank approval.
wendym at cableone dot net
Melanie Montgomery
You can use it year round.
Leslie L Stanziani
I learned that you can pay it back with your tax return.
CharityS
Load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® for easy access.
Ashley Smith
I learned that with the Affordable Care Act tax issues there is assistance available from H&R Block at no additional cost