photo by webby0101
Christmas is over, and the tree and decorations are put away. Phew. But frugalistas are already getting a jump-start on Christmas 2009. Maybe you picked up a few clearance items such as gift wrap, cards or bows. Some of my readers take it to a whole new level of planning. I’ve compiled their most popular ways to prepare ahead of time to help make the most of your …

photo by erix
Are you ready for Valentine’s Day? Don’t wait until the last minute. Desperation leads to cliche gifts gone wrong, like a half-dead rose or driving all over town trying to find a table at a restaurant. If you goofed on Christmas, you’ve got a golden opportunity to make up for it. Don’t blow it! The day doesn’t have to be fancy. But think of the other person and …

There’s still time to make some quick and easy crafts with your kids. All of these are fun family activities, and they’re nice enough to give as gifts, too. The supplies are inexpensive, but the projects create priceless memories.
REINDEER CANDY BOWL: Take any size clay pot. Glue on wiggle eyes and pompom nose onto the front of the clay pot to form the face. Cut antlers out of dark-brown …

photo by laurenatclemson
This year, you might cut back on gift giving, but there are some people you simply don’t want to cross off the list — for example, the people who have done a great job or provided excellent service throughout the year, such as teachers, your mailman, your child’s school-bus driver, a childcare provider or a doctor. These people can be tough to shop for. You don’t want to …