I would say cash, because then you can spend it wherever, but it just goes to bills which is fine, but a giftcard is used more as a gift for myself or family and it can be more fun than just on the bills.
I'd much rather get cash. That allows me to do what I want with the money. Invest it, spend it, pay off debt with it, the choice is mine. With a gift card, I am limited to spending it at a specific store. Granted I could sell it online, but at the end of the day, that takes some of my time and I won't get the face value for the card in cash.
I would have breakfast for dinner many times growing up. It has been a while since I have done it though. After reading this list, I'm thinking it's time for some blueberry pancakes and sausage for dinner.
The best part about breakfast for dinner is that it is quick and doesn't cost very much to do.
I prefer gift cards because they feel like indulgences. If someone gave me $20, I'd put it in my emergency fund or my cash cache, or send it to my daughter or my niece.
Of course, I might also send either of those two women a gift card, or give it away on my personal website. But there's also the chance, however faint, that I would use it on something for myself.
I'm a victim. I was given a card for x-mas and when I went to use it. It didn't pull up anything. Like it wasnt activated. I have the receipt but no one can give me a straight answer. I guess I'm out $100.00. This is a crime. My recommendation don't buy gift cards!
That was an awesome article! I'm a big sports fan so whenever someone ties anything into sports, I'm right there with them.
The most effective way I challenge myself is to set a series of small attainable goals with a reward if I attain all my small goals. This system seems to work best with me.
What about just not going to the bars in the first place? I know it's fun, but they are just so expensive. I usually look for happy hour specials and try not to stay out too long.
I really would not complain about receiving cash or a gift card BUT if I absolutely had to make a decision I suppose I would go to cash. Gift cards do tend to bury themselves deep into the pockets of my wallet. They become forgotten for months and months until about ten minutes after I finally make a purchase for which I could have used that gift card. And then the cycle continues...
This was a great post. A lot of those things make great points. I think the hardest part of cutting in a budget to save is sacrificing the things we love. I know for me I got rid of my landline ( because lets face it... I use my cellphone for everything). And then I took my cellphone and took it off a contracted company that was charging be up the kazoooo and switched to a prepaid company named Tracfone. It was the easiest smartest thing ever. I was able to keep my smartphone ( samsungt404g) with everything I wanted like messaging, internet, bluetooth,... but activate it through tracfone and they gave me all these great deals that basically makes my phone the most inexspensive I have ever paid for a phone! Some luxuries are hard to give up and yes an iphone is magnificent but if you want a smart phone there is no reason not to switch to tracfone if you want to save.
You definitely highlighted two of our family favorites that I can't believe I overlooked - tilapia and frozen broccoli! Thanks for bringing both of those items up because not only are they very affordable - they are very good too!
I prefer getting gift cards rather than cash, but only if the giver has considerately chosen the card to reflect my interests (such as reading, gardening, movies, cooking) or ones for nearby businesses where I can redeem them conveniently for items I truly need or for a bit of splurge (such as the grocery store, the home improvement center, even the pharmacy.) I also vastly prefer to give gift cards over cash, because they show a bit more effort and consideration, and--the biggest plus of all--I can often purchase them at a discount and give more value for the money I have in my gift budget.
I would say cash, because then you can spend it wherever, but it just goes to bills which is fine, but a giftcard is used more as a gift for myself or family and it can be more fun than just on the bills.
My favorite coupon site is http://www.hotcouponsdirectory.com/
New hot deals everyday!
I'd much rather get cash. That allows me to do what I want with the money. Invest it, spend it, pay off debt with it, the choice is mine. With a gift card, I am limited to spending it at a specific store. Granted I could sell it online, but at the end of the day, that takes some of my time and I won't get the face value for the card in cash.
I would have breakfast for dinner many times growing up. It has been a while since I have done it though. After reading this list, I'm thinking it's time for some blueberry pancakes and sausage for dinner.
The best part about breakfast for dinner is that it is quick and doesn't cost very much to do.
I prefer gift cards because they feel like indulgences. If someone gave me $20, I'd put it in my emergency fund or my cash cache, or send it to my daughter or my niece.
Of course, I might also send either of those two women a gift card, or give it away on my personal website. But there's also the chance, however faint, that I would use it on something for myself.
Tweeted a response.
https://twitter.com/#!/DLFreedman/status/195043696620732416
I like you on Facebook.
https://twitter.com/#!/missluckybreaks/status/195004294573993985
Liked you on FB!
I prefer cash, but if it's a gift card to somewhere I frequently shop, that will do as well. Well I'll take anything!
I'm a victim. I was given a card for x-mas and when I went to use it. It didn't pull up anything. Like it wasnt activated. I have the receipt but no one can give me a straight answer. I guess I'm out $100.00. This is a crime. My recommendation don't buy gift cards!
That was an awesome article! I'm a big sports fan so whenever someone ties anything into sports, I'm right there with them.
The most effective way I challenge myself is to set a series of small attainable goals with a reward if I attain all my small goals. This system seems to work best with me.
I prefer gift cards issued by major credit card companies-- they are less tacky than receiving cash, and they allow purchasing flexibility.
What about just not going to the bars in the first place? I know it's fun, but they are just so expensive. I usually look for happy hour specials and try not to stay out too long.
I really would not complain about receiving cash or a gift card BUT if I absolutely had to make a decision I suppose I would go to cash. Gift cards do tend to bury themselves deep into the pockets of my wallet. They become forgotten for months and months until about ten minutes after I finally make a purchase for which I could have used that gift card. And then the cycle continues...
https://twitter.com/#!/linjiunhan/status/194954828278005760
I like you on Facebook.
Gift card if it means a lot and is to somewhere special or where you usually wouldn't buy something at.
This was a great post. A lot of those things make great points. I think the hardest part of cutting in a budget to save is sacrificing the things we love. I know for me I got rid of my landline ( because lets face it... I use my cellphone for everything). And then I took my cellphone and took it off a contracted company that was charging be up the kazoooo and switched to a prepaid company named Tracfone. It was the easiest smartest thing ever. I was able to keep my smartphone ( samsungt404g) with everything I wanted like messaging, internet, bluetooth,... but activate it through tracfone and they gave me all these great deals that basically makes my phone the most inexspensive I have ever paid for a phone! Some luxuries are hard to give up and yes an iphone is magnificent but if you want a smart phone there is no reason not to switch to tracfone if you want to save.
Cash please! I like having options.
i like wisebread on fb
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/oshkoshbgosh123/status/194941458908856321
i prefer cash but gift cards are definitely welcome too!
Claire -
You definitely highlighted two of our family favorites that I can't believe I overlooked - tilapia and frozen broccoli! Thanks for bringing both of those items up because not only are they very affordable - they are very good too!
Thanks for reading!
I prefer getting gift cards rather than cash, but only if the giver has considerately chosen the card to reflect my interests (such as reading, gardening, movies, cooking) or ones for nearby businesses where I can redeem them conveniently for items I truly need or for a bit of splurge (such as the grocery store, the home improvement center, even the pharmacy.) I also vastly prefer to give gift cards over cash, because they show a bit more effort and consideration, and--the biggest plus of all--I can often purchase them at a discount and give more value for the money I have in my gift budget.