I come from a family of eight children and between all of my siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents and my own little family, gift giving and the holidays have gotten really expensive! And I find myself at the end of the holiday stressed and broke, which really negates the whole spirit of the season!
So, this year we’ve decided to do things quite a bit differently. Here is our plan this year to stay on a budget and alleviate the financial stress of the holidays.
- We set a budget for gift purchases for our son for only $100 total. I’ve been looking at discount stores and clearance racks to stay within that budget and still have a great Christmas for my son.
- The eight siblings and their spouses are drawing names this year and have set a $20 budget for that gift.
- All of the aunts, uncles, grandparents and children are getting together for Christmas Eve and are playing Dirty Santa for our gift exchange! It’s a really fun way to exchange gifts, and we’ve again set ourselves a $20 budget!
- All other gifts will be homemade – we are making homemade candies and treats for teachers, church friends and neighbors to stay within a small budget.
Not only does this budget alleviate a lot of the usual holiday financial stress, it also brings in a fun creative element to the season! Spending a day with my son and my sisters making homemade candies is going to be a blast in addition to being frugal!
If you are finding yourself in a bit of financial strain as the holidays approach, you should look into an H&R Block Emerald Advance Line of Credit. It is basically a line of credit that draws money from your future tax return!
The application process begins November 25th, which gives you plentyof time to use the money for holiday purchases and expenses. Here are a few more details:
- H&R Block will begin accepting applications in offices November 25th so set up your appointment today!
- All you need to apply is an unexpired government-issued photo ID and your most recent pay stub (no W2 form required!)
- You don’t already need to be an H&R Block client to apply
- The Emerald Advance is a line of credit you can draw from as you need it. You can use it year-round for unexpected expenses and other short-term credit needs. It’s that easy!
You can head over here for more details on this promotion. Also, you can enter for a chance to win a $300 sweepstakes from H&R Block! How great would that be to help with holiday expenses!!
Reader Giveaway: One very lucky Thrifty Jinxy reader will receive a $300 H&R Block Gift Card. This Emerald Card can be used just like a MasterCard for holiday shopping, travel, grocery shopping…you name it. To enter, just complete the entry form below by 12/12/13. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: 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.
Betty says
you can file thru their software online or you can go into one of their offices
Margaret Smith says
I learned that you can get up to $1000, all year long.
Margaret Smith says
I try to set a budget and stick to it. I look for prices in sale ads and also online, comparing the best deal.
Ellie W says
I learned that The Emerald Advance is a year-round line of credit.
Betty says
A wonderful budgeting tip is to establish a family agreement re a spending limit. Also many families agree to draw names instead of everyone buying everyone a present. Those gifted by coming from a large family just can’t buy like those who have only one sibling.
Mary Beth Elderton says
I learned that the credit line is available all year and you can choose to pay off part with your tax refund.
Mary Beth Elderton says
I collect small gifts and “stocking stuffers’ throughout the year. I use Amazon Prime and other free shipping offers as much as possible.
Amanda Sakovitz says
I learned to apply you need your Current earnings statement
Amanda Sakovitz says
I only bring out gift cards when I go holiday gift shopping so I have a limit on what I spend
Julie Cutshaw says
I learned that there are Over 11,000 locations nationwide of H&R Block to use in Tax services, that speaks volumes, for a trusted long time quality business.
Julie Cutshaw says
My best holiday budgeting tip is to start shopping on the after holiday sales, and use coupons. Then wrap them & save when its time to gift.
Mary Happymommy says
I learned you can apply on November 25th.
Mary Happymommy says
My bugeting tip is to do a Secret Santa so you only have to buy a gift for one person.
D SCHMIDT says
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
D SCHMIDT says
I create a budget at the beginning of the year and try to purchase when items are on sale or when I have a coupon.
Jackie says
I learned that with the Emerald Advanced Line of Credit you have access to credit year-round.
Thank you!
Jackie says
I try to start shopping early and shop sales and use coupons.
Janet W. says
I learned that if approved, I would be eligible to maintain my line of credit year-round.
Janet W. says
My best holiday savings tip is to make a list and stick to it, avoiding impulse buys. Also check around and price compare to find the lowest possible price.
Melissa says
$45 Annual Fee – Assessed on the day the Emerald Advance is opened
Melissa says
Holiday budget tip: Start shopping right after Christmas with a list. This is also a great time to stock up on teacher, service provider and white elephant gifts.
Cynthia R says
i learned you can get your line of credit on a mastercard, so cool!
Cynthia R says
i save some of my winnings from giveaways and give them away as birthday and christmas gifts.
Elena says
I learned that if approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round
Elena says
My tip is to shop for gifts on sale and use coupons
Kathleen says
I learned they have the Emerald Advance year-round line of credit and will be available beginning November 25th.
Kathleen says
My best advice is to make a list and STICK TO it! Also, try paring down your gift-list. Many people are in a bind and would gladly stop exchanging with you. Think more along the lines of giving to others with baked goodies, homemade gifts, etc.
Jessie C. says
I learned that you can use your tax return to pay it back and it is year round credit.
Jessie C. says
My tip is to set a budget ahead and compare price before purchase. Online shopping must click through cash back links for more savings.
kim burnett says
I learned they offer assistance through their 1800#
kim burnett says
my holiday tip is to shop the sale ads for the lowest prices instead of buying on a whim!
Christie R says
I learned that you can have access to credit year-round.
Betty Baez says
I learned that you can load funds from your line of credit to your h&r emerald prepaid mastercard.
Betty Baez says
Shop sales, use coupons/promo codes, and cash back sites!
Christie R says
My best tip is to volunteer as a “gift” to your friends and family. Agree on a charity that is important to everyone and then spend time helping in whatever way you can.
Lori Thomas says
i learned you can file online instead of going to an office
Jerry Lafferty says
I never knew they could help you with a health insurance plan
Holly Thomas says
The Emerald Advance is available year round.
Holly Thomas says
My best tip is to save year round.
sandra davis says
learned that you can load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard for easy access.
sandra davis says
my best tip is to make a budget and stick with it.
Lisa Brown says
budgeting tip: keep to specific spending amount
Lisa Brown says
i learned: I have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of my tax refund
sandra says
i learned you can repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000
sandra says
tip : shop the sales flyers for ideas and deals
Elizabeth Fitzmaurice says
I learned that there’s a $45 annual fee but you can have a year-round line of credit of $1000.
Elizabeth Fitzmaurice says
Get your stocking stuffers from Walgreens!
Kelly D says
I learned that If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
Kelly D says
My holiday budgeting tip is before I go shopping, I check online to see if there are any percentage off coupons for the stores I am going to. I save a lot of money this way.
nickie says
I learned that The Emerald Advance is a year-round line of credit.
nickie says
Make a list and stick to it.
Ashley T. says
I try to set aside money all year long, and look for whats on my list and get the best prices.
Ashley T. says
I learned that there’s an annual fee 🙁 , but you will have available credit year round
Sarah Hirsch says
i learned that you can apply starting on nov 25
Sarah Hirsch says
save money by shopping throughout the year for the best deals
Sharon Kaminski says
I learned that Load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® for easy access.
Sharon Kaminski says
My best tip would be to shop early for the best deals.
stephanie says
i look for sales
stephanie says
i thought repeatedly borrow and repay up to $1000 is great
Cynthia C says
I learned that you can file taxes online at H&R Block
Cynthia C says
My tip is to set a budget ahead of shopping and check online for best prices.
Kelly Nicholson says
Visit H&R Block and tell us one thing that you learned.
i learned they have some great software downloads
Kelly Nicholson says
Tell us your best holiday budgeting tip.
dont go into debt..its not worth it…have a great dinner and listen to music
Tammy S says
I learned that it only cost $45 annually to maintain your line of credit.
Cheryl F. says
I learned that there is a “36% Annual Percentage Rate (APR)”.
Cheryl F. says
Buy all year round instead of at the last minute at premium prices. Don’t spend more than you can pay for.
Suzanne K says
I learned that you may apply in participating offices from November 25th 2013, through January 15th 2014 for the Emerald line of credit
Suzanne K says
I shop year round sales and buy when the prices are great – avoid the last minute insanity
Natalie says
Stay on a budget and don’t impuse buy!
Natalie says
I like the low fees.
Danielle F. says
I learned that you can pay down the balance of the Emerald Advance with a potion of your tax refund.
Danielle F. says
My holiday budgeting 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.
Carol says
I learned that the credit line is available all year and you can choose to pay off part with your tax refund.
Carol says
I shop sales and use coupons.
Ann Fantom says
I learned that you can apply for H & R Emerald Advance over the phone
Ann Fantom says
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.
kim says
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
Jacob says
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!
Audra O'Hara says
I learned they have a Manage Your Health section. You can compare health plans and get help with enrollment for 2014.
Audra O'Hara says
My tip is to shop wisely, using online coupon codes and comparison shopping to get the most bang for your buck.
Stacey B says
I learned that the line of credit is available year orund
wendy rozema says
I learned there’s a $45 annual fee!
wendy rozema says
my tip to save money is to buy things when they go on sale!
Lasonda says
I learned that you can use the line of credit year round.
kelley wood says
Did not know it was available all year and can be paid off with return 🙂
kelley wood says
I do better online shopping to get better deals and go thru websites like swagbucks to increase savings!
Marcia Goss says
I learned that you can put money from your line of credit onto a prepaid MasterCard.
Nancy says
My best holiday tip is to try and combine as many sales, codes, coupons and discounts as you can to get the price down.
Nancy says
I learned that the Emerald Advance will become available on November 25th.
Sarah L says
You can schedule an appointment, or just walk in.
Sarah L says
Buy presents year round.
DESIREE H says
I learned that the late fee is only $7.50!
DESIREE H says
I budget and save money by using coupons everywhere or promo codes online!
Tammy S says
My holiday saving tip is to shop throughout the year and use coupons. That way your budget won’t take a major hit during the holiday’s.
mysweetiepiepie says
I learned that the credit line they offer is available all year and you can choose to pay it off with your tax refund.
mysweetiepiepie says
My best budgeting tip is to put aside a little bit every month for the holidays.
Holly Storm-Burge says
I always Christmas shop with a list to make sure I don’t grab a gift for someone I’ve already bought for.
Holly Storm-Burge says
I learned that you can load funds drawn from your line of credit to your H&R Block Emerald card for easy access.
candy kratzer wenzel says
You can file electronically or in their offices.
candy kratzer wenzel says
I do not have a budget. I just try to keep everyone equal and personL to them. I do not do black Friday or cyber Monday.
Rosanne says
I learned that it has a $45 annual fee the credit card
Rosanne says
I save all year. I have credit cards that I pay in full every month and I get reward points. I use those for Christmas as well as rewards from TJ Maxx and
Sarah L says
How do I apply?
Emerald Advance will be available in participating offices beginning November 25th
To apply, you will need:
Current earnings statement
Unexpired government-issued photo ID
Sarah L says
Don’t use credit.
Sarah L says
They have year round support.
Ashley H says
I learned there is a $45 fee.
Andrea Williams says
If you are approved the line of credit is good all year.
Andrea Williams says
I have saved up most of the Amazon gc I’ve earned through Swagbucks to put towards Christmas gifts.
Lp Caton says
I learned you can keep your credit line year round
Allison Downes says
I learned that I can use them year round!
april yedinak says
I learned that they have a mobile banking app.
april yedinak says
My best holiday budgeting tip is to use coupon codes and cash back sites when you shop online.
Nancy says
I learned you can start applying starting November 25, 2013.
Nancy says
Best budget shopping tip: Start shopping at the after Christmas sales for next year’s gifts and supplies.
Wanda McHenry says
I learned that you have a minimum monthly payment of $25 or 4% of the outstanding balance, if greater.
Wanda McHenry says
Stick to your budget and don’t try to be the “gifter” to impress.
Cynthia K says
I learned that the line of credit can be used year round (if you are approved).
Cynthia K says
Decide ahead of time how much you are going to spend on each person and stick to it! Shopping the clearance and sales all year help you gift more without going over budget.
Laura J says
I learned that you have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund, if you so choose!
Candice Denigan says
I learned once approved, you can have a line of credit year round.
Candice Denigan says
I would say to start looking for presents and food early, to get the best savings and not be stressed.
Jean says
I learned that there is a fee to establish a line of credit ($45). It may be worth it for the peace of mind but you should go in with eyes open.
Jean says
Start early and include some homemade gifts in the mix. It saves money and it really personalizes the gift. Most of the ones I’ve given are genuinely appreciated.
Kim Henrichs says
My best budgeting tip is to stick to a strict list. Figure out the items you want, shop circulars and websites for best deals, then stick to it. Don’t be easily swayed by cute holiday packaging on things you do not need.
Vickie Couturier says
I learned
The H&R Block Emerald Card
Use your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard and earn cash rewards at stores you love.
Vickie Couturier says
my best tip is that I start the day after Christmas for the next year,,I onlybuy on clearance or a great markdown
kathy dalton says
you can file your own tax return or they will do it for you
Laura J says
My best holiday budgeting tip is to start early! Then it does not hit my budget all at once! I like to spread it out!
Karen Glatt says
I learned that I can get a Emerald Advance line of credit, and it can help me with emergencies, and I can borrow 1,000.
Karen Glatt says
My best Holiday Budget tip is to plan ahead and bring a list and stick to it.
Dawn Monroe says
I read that you dont have to wait for your w2, they can use your last paycheck. They have a guarentee and audit protection.
Dawn Monroe says
My tip is use cash. Stay away from the credit cards.
polly says
They have a blog that you can go & get questions answered
polly says
W e never use credit cards for gifts…cash only!
Kim L. says
I hadn’t thought about how the Affordable Care Act would affect our taxes. I am looking forward to reading more about it.
Kim L. says
I wish I had a great budgeting tip to share. We just do our best to put a little something aside every month for Christmas shopping and if we see a great deal in the months leading up to the holidays, we jump on it.
Kimberley Meier says
I learned that you can apply for up to $1000 and you can use your return to pay it off!
ellen casper says
l learned that you have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund
Wendy T says
My best holiday budgeting tip is to avoid impulse buying. Make a list and stick to it. It’s those “little” five and ten dollar impulse things that really end up adding up.
Wendy T says
I learned there is support available both in person and on the phone.
Jenna D says
You can get up to $1000 with Emerald Advance
virgomomwriter says
Learned that H & R is now in the money lending business…
virgomomwriter says
I make chocolate-covered pretzels for my husband’s employees…they prefer them to gift cards, and cost very little (except time.)
cherrilynn says
STICK TO MY BUDGET 😉
Stephanie Hirsch says
Best holiday budgeting tip is to start really early, like in January, lol.
courtney b says
stay on budget dont break it.. have your husban help u!
Crystal F says
I found out that you can have your paycheck directly deposited onto the card. Thank you!
Crystal F says
Put money aside all year long so that you don’t have to pay out such a large amount at one time. Also search the internet for the best price on whatever you need and then looks for coupon codes to make it even better. Thank you!
Hannah B says
I learned that there are about 11,000 locations nationwide!
Brandon says
It would be so wonderful if I won.
paula s says
I learned Emerald advance is yr round line of credit.
FRANK S says
If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
FRANK S says
Shop the ads.
Gianna says
If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
Gianna says
Make a list of what everyone wants a few months in advance and buy at the best price. Prices aren’t always the lowest black friday, cyber monday or before Christmas.
Betsy Barnes says
I learned you have the ability to pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund 🙂
Betsy Barnes says
My best budgeting tip for the holidays, go shopping with cash, leave your credit cards at home. By doing this, you won’t be tempted to over buy or get random things, you’ll stick to your budget. 🙂
Michelle C says
I learned that you can access your credit year round using Emerald Advance. Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
Jacob says
You can get an APR as low as 9% – not too bad at all!
Karen Drake says
I learned you can apply for an Emerald line of credit with just your ID and a recent paystub.
Karen Drake says
My best holiday budgeting tip is to search for online coupon codes to your favorite store, many times they offer a percentage off or free shipping.
Gwen B. says
I lose all budgeting sense around Christmas. I haven’t a good tip. I go all out.
Jen V says
I learned that they have over 11,000 locations nationwide.
Jen V says
My best holiday budget tip is to pay cash for all gifts. We save for Christmas all year long so we never have to put anything on a credit card.
Daniel N says
always look for coupons on the net before you shop!
Christina Sparks says
You can use it year-round
Christina Sparks says
To shop for the best deals online.
Deb C says
I learned H&R Block even offers informative help with the new healthcare.
Jessica says
i learned when filing your Federal or State taxes you can use a Refund Anticipation Check to pay for your tax preparation fees without having to pay up front. It’s a convenient way to get your refund
Jessica says
i shop black friday sales to save money on gifts.
Nicole Carter says
I learned that you can use it year round.
Nicole Carter says
To keep on my budget I plan and buy months in advance so I’m not scrabbling and trying to survive the month of December.
Bill Elliott says
I learned you can do your taxes online or in the office with them. My tip is do not
over extend yourself buying Christmas Gifts and then suffer all of the next year. A
gift from the heart goes a lot further than a gift from a Visa.
Rebecca Parsons says
You can have a $1000 line of credit all year long as long as you qualify
Rebecca Parsons says
Try to keep all purchases to cash and debit card. I don’t use credit cards unless I absolutely have to.
Stacy says
I learned that although they vegan accepting applications for the card on November 25th, it can be used year-round.
Stacy says
My holiday budgeting tip is to shop year-round, that way you don’t have to buy everything all at once.
Susan Smith says
I learned that you can pay down the balance of the Emerald Advance with a potion of your tax refund.
Susan Smith says
My budgeting tip is to make a list and pay with cash.
Tracie Trump says
the emerald advance is available year round
Tracie Trump says
My budgeting tip to leave the credit cards at home and pay with cash
Paula Tavernie says
I learned you can use year round!
Paula Tavernie says
The only tip I have is shop around for sales and leave all credit cards at home and take only a certain amount of cash with you!! You cant spend what you don’t have with you!
mariem says
i can acess it anytime of the year
mariem says
coupons always! sales if possible
Kim Reid says
My best tip is to shop the after holiday clearances to get 50 – 90% off, thanks!
Kim Reid says
The website includes a section about Helping to Understand Health Insurance and Health Reform, thanks!
Lisa says
I learned you can pay off your balance with your tax refund if you want to.
Lisa says
I budget by using coupons and price matching
Lean S says
I learned that they’re available all year long to help you with your tax and other services.
Lean S says
Budget by being wise with purchases and making a plan ahead of time.
Shannon says
I learned that you can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
Shannon says
I compare prices to find the best deals and look for discount codes as well.
Roxann says
Make a Christmas shopping list that is within your budget and stick to it.
s riches says
You can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund.
s riches says
Some of the best deals are on the day before Christmas.
Stephanie Larison says
I only buy items on sale, throughout the year. I don’t have much to buy when Christmas time comes around, I’m mostly done.
Stephanie Larison says
I learned if you’re approved, you could have access to credit all year round.
Sharon says
I learned: You can pay down the balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of your tax refund if you want to!
Laura says
I like that they offer a basic home software program at a very affordable price
Sharon says
My best Holiday Budgeting Tip is to decide what you can spend on food and gifts and then make a list accordingly and stick to it as much as possible!
Tiffany Hearn says
I learned that you can repeatedly borrow and repay.
meredith says
I learned that a credit line is available all year
meredith says
My best budgeting tip is to use coupons and shop sales during the holidays
Lesley F says
I learned that you can file online
Sarah Hall says
Leave you credit cards at home and only use your cash on hand. That way you don’t have huge bills coming in during the next few months.
Lesley F says
I have an app that I use that keeps tabs on my budget and what I am spending on everyone
Jackee says
For budgeting I set the amount I will spend for each person before I start shopping.
Ava Chavez says
I like using gift cards…It gives me a pre set amount so i don’t go over my budget once I’m in store!
Julie Hawkins says
I learned you can use the emerald advance for emergencies and pay it down with your tax refund
David Nelson says
H&R Block has a “managing your Health” section. I wouldn’t have thought that was within the area of their expertise.
David Nelson says
Figure out what services you can provide (back rub, for example), and give a “gift certificate” instead of buying a gift.
Julie Hawkins says
My tip is make a shopping list in your budget and stick to it
jeanine feldkamp says
shop online to avoid impulse buys.
DEBIJOT says
I learned that once accepted, you can access your account all year.
DEBIJOT says
I shop with coupons and use sales papers.
Michelle Spayde says
I learned that if approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round. Be prepared when the unexpected occurs.
Michelle Spayde says
As far as holiday budgeting, I make a list and stick to it.
amy deeter says
the credit line is available all year
Tim says
I learned that you can allow yourself a certain amount of money on the Emerald card.
Buddy Garrett says
I learned with Emerald Advance credit is available year round.
Tim says
A budgeting tip that I use is to make a shopping list and stick to only that. I do not look around at items that we don’t need.
Buddy Garrett says
Watch using credit cards when holiday shopping. Don’t charge too much.
Bryan E. says
Thanks for the giveaway…cardholders can choose to pay down their balance on the Emerald Advance with a portion of their tax refund.
Bryan E. says
Tip: Make a family budget each month, and stick to it; whenever possible, pay with cash
Alex Roach says
You can have access to credit year round!
Sheree says
My budgeting tip if you can’t pay a credit card balance in full each month use only cash
Cindy Orley says
I learned that you can access credit all year long.
Cindy Orley says
Best holiday shopping tip – start early and get sales year round.
Richard Hicks says
I learned one of the benefits is Access to credit year-round
Richard Hicks says
Best budgeting tip is so map out a budget and stick to it
Greg V says
You can get credit all year long
Thomas Murphy says
I learned If approved, you are eligible to maintain your line of credit year-round.
Thomas Murphy says
My best holiday budgeting tip is shop the sales and use coupons.
Michelle Tucker says
My best budgeting tip is to use cash for holiday shopping. Go in with what you are okay with spending, and only spend that.
laurie says
I learned you can borrown money year round
laurie says
make a list and stick to it