Christmas Tablescape on a budget .

You can find this from Dollar tree and walmart . Look expensive but save money to get through the holidays .

Save money buying a home at closing . I'm going to share what I just did .

Bought my first home ! All on my own . Yay !! The price was $99,500. For a raised ranch home built in 1965. I offered $95,00, and sellers pay $2,500 at closing . It was accepted. I saved $8,000 in the last 2 years and brought that for closing costs . After closing I ended up paying a little over $93,000 for the home ( because the sellers contributed towards closing costs), and had money left over for 2 mortgage payments . I also got a credit for first time home buyer in the state of VT for $2,600. Yay ! 

Negotiate the price and always try to get sellers to help out at closing . You can also ask $3,000 more of the purchase price and sellers pay all of closing . Banks should already know that . There are also local and government programs to help you with down payment & closing ( if you qualify). Hud is one of them . If you live in my area ( Saint Johnsbury , VT) rural edge is a non-profit organization that has classes & people to work with you in the housing dept. USDA helps families with costs too. It helps to do your research & go to a home owners class. Most banks require the class these days anyway. 

Write out your goal and start saving in a account from which you can't touch it . Like a cd savings . That's what I did . All on my own. With a car payment , rent , loan payment & heat + utilities . I got divorced 2 years ago and lost everything . The only thing I wanted back was my own home . Proud of where I am . Last year I was still going to court . Today I'm drama free , and feel at home again . It's a great feeling .

Save more on Black Friday with JCP coupon

https://e.jcpenney.com/pub/sf/ResponseForm?_ri_=X0Gzc2X%3DWQpglLjHJlYQGsvYhzahAhzftWcCzgJe76Imvehrov9VXMtX%3DWQpglLjHJlYQGgGiyya2uzbItfSzbYCIrTpwzguGbwL&_ei_=EhEPvzyl7fNpyUL61nMqCx0

Spruce up your hallway with simple dollar store items .

Hurricane holders for candles , picture frames and an old table you may already have . Won't cost a bundle and it's inviting . 

Saved on holiday baking supplies .

Price chopper had coupons for a lot of baking items this week. Plus I had coupons from the newspaper . Saved almost $20!

Holiday decor that looks expensive but actually came from the Dollar store .

Spruce up your door for the holidays with a DIY wreath from Dollar store .

Get a foam circle, ornaments , ribbon , fake leaves and a glue gun . 

Impress guests with your Tablescapes at Thanksgiving . All from the Dollar tree .

Fun night out to enjoy the cold wether .

Ice skating . Some places have arenas open til there are outside rinks . Jay peak in Vermont has deals for $20 ( includes rentals ) . Take the family out , get some got chocolate and try not to fall .