Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… as long as you’re not feeling guilty about overspending!
Okay, let’s get real for a sec. How many of y’all set your holiday shopping budget according to how much you *want* to spend vs. how much you truly believe you’ll need to spend? It’s a mistake many Canadians make (intentional or not), and it’s the easiest way to blow your budget this festive season.
Not on my watch!
I’m happy to share with you my very best tips for 1) creating a reasonable budget, 2) accounting for everyone you’ll need to shop for, 3) monitoring your spending in an easy and convenient way and 4) even sourcing the best “emergency” gift! Watch my recent segment from What She Said below:
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of prepaid cards, such as Mastercard, American Express and Visa. Not only do they offer many of the benefits of a traditional credit card (YES – you can use them online and over the phone!), they come with a distinct advantage for budgeting: a set amount of funds pre-loaded onto the card. That means when the funds are depleted, you holiday shopping spree is over – which assures you’ll never go over budget!
Why else should you love prepaid cards?
1. Funds are universally acceptable. You can make purchases anywhere in the world where MasterCard, American Express and Visa are accepted, including online and over the phone.
2. Funds are immediately available. There is no waiting for a cheque to arrive in the mail or clear the banks! Just purchase a prepaid card and start your holiday spending!
3. Avoid costly overdraft and interest charges. Funds are pre-paid so you can control your budget and avoid interest charges and overdraft fees. No one wants to have spender’s remorse come January!
4. You are protected. Prepaid cards issued by card networks can protect consumers by the Zero Liability protections of the card brand. Make sure to read the terms and register your card!
5. They make the perfect gift. Whether you use them as a budgeting tool or purchase them a Christmas gift, they offer convenience and are an easy way to pay in person, online or over the phone.
I’ve used prepaid cards in the past to budget for groceries and vacation spending, but this is the first year I’ve used them to keep track of my holiday spending. Great news, friends! I’m happy to say that so far, I’ve stayed well within my budget, and because I am using a prepaid card, I know I won’t go over. Sweet success!
To learn more about prepaid cards, visit cppo.ca. You can find them at your favourite supermarket, drugstore or big box retailer. Or – you could WIN one right here! Here’s a little help to recoup some of your holiday spending – courtesy of my friends at CPPO, I’m giving away a $250 Prepaid American Express Card! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!
Any kind of restaurant card so I get to have that dining out experience even when things are tight.
Funds are universally acceptable.
I like that a prepaid credit card keeps me on budget!
I love that i can use it pretty much anywhere i shop! Plus i can never spend more then whats on it lol
Exactly what you’ve mentioned above, keeps you on budget!!
hi id love to win could really use it for christmas as i have nothing at all for my family thansk for the chane to win and hel them out .;)
I like that the funds are universally accepted.
I love that you can use it anywhere :)
A card that’s universally accepted is an amazing gift
My favourite feature is that funds are available immediately.
I definitely love that you are protected. I feel more safe using prepaid cards instead of my Visa in general (because of the fixed value) but the fact that the prepaid cards are protected themselves is an amazing bonus.
I love that I can use it anywhere
I love that it’s money I don’t have to worry about paying back haha
I can use it just about anywhere and only spend as much as is on it.
Glad to know I am protected when i use a prepaid gift card.
I like that I can shop with it anywhere!
I love that they keep me on budget!
I like that I can shop anywhere!
I like that you don’t have to worry about a big bill in January!
I don’t have to worry about getting a bill in the mail!
I am not a patient person, so this is perfect no waiting money is in my hand
I like that they are accepted everywhere.
It’s so convenient that the funds are readily available and that it is accepted anywhere!
Please and thank you:)
I love that prepaid cards are accepted just as easily as a bank card with NO interest charges to worry about!! And you are right, they make perfect gifts! :)
My favourite feature of the prepaid card is that the funds are universally accepted.
I Love that I can use it anywhere and that I won’t get a credit card bill in the mail with a high interest added on. lol
I like that they are so widely accepted.
Easy to use anywhere and not extra charges.
Once the money’s gone, it’s gone.
I like that they are accepted everywhere.
I love that they are accept anywhere and it gives you a set budget. When you’ve spent it all, it’s done.
My favourite feature is that I can buy whatever I want with it!
I love that it’s a set amount and secured.
Prepaid Cards make a great gift
What I love about presents paid credit card is that there’s a set limit and you can’t go over that amount. Some cards will reject it if it’s over that amount of the gift card. You can also use it for anything food, trips, malls etc.
I love a prepaid gift card because they’re universally accepted and secure
Cheers Lisa
@LittleMama71
I love the fact you can use a prepaid card anywhere that accepts credit cards !
I like that merchants aren’t dinged with the high cost of credit cards. Those charges can affect the bottom line of small businesses significantly.
I like that the funds are available immediately
I love guilt-free shopping! If it is my gift cards I use it one me (instead of my kids and husband.)
I love how handy and convenient they are!
I like that they are convenient to purchase and that they are perfect for people who are hard to shop for.
You can spend it most anywhere and not have to worry about your credit card info being compromised.
I like that their is zero chance of interest charges with a prepaid card.
Being able to use it anywhere for anything!
I like that the funds are universally accepted!
I like prepaid cards so I can shop when it is not busy in January.
Like cash but more secure
I love that you don’t have to worry about overdraft or interest charges!
I live that you don’t have to worry about overdraft fees or interest charges!
My favourite feature of a prepaid card is that it is universally accepted. I have gifted prepaid cards and they are always welcomed. I would be grateful to receive one and have the flexibility to use it as my family needs it.
My favourite feature of a prepaid card is that I can use it anywhere in the world! When I travel I don’t like to take a lot of cash, so a prepaid card works well!
I like that the funds are universally accepted.
I love that you can use them just about anywhere, so your giftee isn’t limited.
You can buy anything you want at any store.
I like knowing what funds are available
I love how easy it is to use a pre paid card and if you lose it or have it stolen it holds none of your personal information on it.
I love that it keeps me on budget and there is no interest
I love how fast and easy they are to use…also convenient to use online!
I think they make great gifts! They can spend it where ever they want and are not limited to a specific store or business.
I love that I can use a prepaid card anywhere–in store or on-line.
That’s it’s essentially cash I can use anywhere :)
no worries about interests or overspending
Easy to use and it is secure because it is not really tied to any of your personal information.
I like that the money is all there already and i don’t have to pay it back like a regular credit card. But it still has the features of a credit card.
I love using prepaid card ! No need to worry about interest rate and forgets to pay! So easy and convenient too!! Top gift options
It’s all yours to spend, you can’t save it, so splurging time!
That the cards are accepted everywhere
I like that you can use them online and you have a budget
I like that I can control my budget and avoid interest charges
That it’s accepted anywhere –
World wide! No fuss !
i can control my budget
I like that funds are pre-paid so you can avoid interest charges and overdraft fees.
I like that I am protected when I use a pre paid credit card.
I love that you can use it anywhere you want!
I like that you can use it everywhere!
I love that it is convenient to use!
I like that I have a set budget with a prepaid card. It keeps my spending in check and it can be used anywhere!
I love that the visa prepaid card is universally accepted
I love that I have it to purchase anything I want and most places accept it. I like using the prepaid cards for online shopping.
Love the convenience of having a GC in your wallet, it’s like finding a surprise when you least expect it, and you can buy yourself a treat you didn’t think you could Merry Christmas
Secure, ready to use anywhere easy shopping
I like that they make the perfect gift!
I love that you can use it anywhere!
I love that i can shop online with it! So easy :)
You can use them online and over the phone!
a card that’s universally accepted would make the perfect gift! would come in very handy shopping all the post-christmas sales!
I like that you can use a prepaid card online.
the ability to use it anywhere
I love the convenience, that you can use it in stores and online.
My favorite feature is that it’s Funds are universally acceptable so you can use it when you travel
I love how I can use the card anywhere!
Favorite feature of using a prepaid card is the simplicity of it and knowing you’ll stay on budget
I love that you can use it anywhere!
I really like that it is accepted pretty much everywhere!
I like that you can use it in different stores. A lot of gift cards go unused because the recipient can’t find anything they like in that one store. ????????????????
I like that prepaid cards are universally accepted. Its nice to have the confidence they’ll be accepted at all places. :)
My favourite feature is that the card is accepted everywhere!
They make the perfect gift for everyone!
Good gift, you know what’s on it. Helps you keep on budget.
My favorite feature of a prepaid card is you are not going into debt, its already paid for
There’s a set budget. If you try to go over, it won’t let you.
Set spending limit.
I love your Nov.24 blog article about holidaying at Disney at Christmas time. We have been twice but summer each time. I never really thought about it for a winter vacation but I bet it would be fun !
I has a limit on it so keeps u on a budget.
I like that there’s no overdraft charges or monthly interest
They make great gifts.
I like that they can be used online!
They are so handy for budgeting and forcing you to stay on track :)
Convenience to ease shopping online.
My favourite feature of a prepaid card is that it can be used online. I would prefer not to use my own personal credit card online, to try to avoid credit card fraud (it’s happened to me in the past, when a major retailer’s site was hacked and my credit card info was stolen!) – thus a prepaid card is the way to go for my online shopping (which I LOVE to do!).
I like that I can use them to shop online. They are great for my son, who likes to purchase computer games oniine
My favourite feature of a prepaid card is that you can avoid costly overdraft and interest charges.
It keeps you on budget, no splurging on items you don’t need.
I love the security of the Prepaid Credit card. I love them for shopping online and travelling.
I like that it makes me stay within my budget
I like that you can shop online. It’s nice for those little extras.
I like that a prepaid credit card keeps me on budget!
I love that I can use it just about anywhere for anything. I keep telling my children the prepaids or gift cards are fabulous gifts.. they dont agree!
I really like how their is no fees. :) Thanks!
I love that it keeps me from going over budget!
I love that they make a perfect gift since it gives the person a huge choice of options rather than one from a specific store.
No bills!
It’s accepted everywhere and it’s cash not credit
I keeps spending within a limit.
My favourite feature is I don’t have to go crazy trying to find a gift. They can get whatever they want and be happy.
My favourite feature of a prepaid card is it’s accepted everywhere.
I like the security of a prepaid CC
Avoiding interest charges is important to me when having a prepaid card!
It is a set amount so I don’t overspend.
My favourite feature is that you can shop at any store.
I can use it anywhere – that’s the best.
I don’t have to worry about bills later.
I like being able to shop online and control your card, no interest charges
I can shop anywhere!!
I love giving prepaid cards as gifts because people can use them for anything. I’d never thought about using them to stay on budget but that’s a really good idea.
it’s very versatile – can be used several times, in several places, doesn’t expire. thanks
I love how it could be used anywhere.
No restrictions – freedom to use it online or anywhere you choose
I like that it allows me to shop online anywhere (I don’t have an actual credit card, so I use pre paid ones all the time)
I like that its cash not credit and I can use it anywhere!
I like how widely accepted they are
I love that funds are universally accepted with a prepaid card- I can use it ANYWHERE! It’s so helpful, especially this time of year!
You can’t spend any more than what’s on the card…keeps the spending in check!
i can buy whatever i want, from anywhere i want!
My favorite feature is splurging without guilt and not having to pay it back.
I is great to gift to kids or hubby so they can buy what they want from where they want. I don’t have to guess which item or giftcard to get them. It’s the universal giftcard in my opinion.
The thing I like about prepaid cards is you don’t over spend money you don’t have. No tempations; you spend only whats on the card. It is accepted everywhere even online.
I like just knowing a limit and it feels more like cash on hand.
i love using them for online shopping !
I can easily control my budget.
I love that you can use it almost everywhere!
I love that it makes you stick to a budget. You can’t spend more than you have!
It is a very convenient $ card and could be a generous gift for someone too! TIs the gift giving season!
Nice that it is protected from the fraudsters and that the funds are immediately available.
I like that I can use it anywhere anytime and can also give it to a family member knowing that they cannot spend more than what’s available on the card..no surprises when I get the bill because there’s never a statement
My favorite feature is the convenience of it!
My favourite feature of the prepaid card is that it can be used online! :)
For me it is online shopping. I got rid of all my credit cards so I rely solely on the use of Prepaid cards for online stores!
It makes sure I don’t spend more than intended!
I think it’s such a great idea to use the prepaid cards for budgeting! I think I will try that for 2017!
my favorite feature of a prepaid card is being able to use it anywhere!
The best one is to be able tonuse it anywhere and fraud free
My favourite feature is that it is safer to use online than a regular credit card.
I love that its safe to shop online with a prepaid!
I feel safer using a pre-paid card online than I do with my regular cards.
I love that they keep me going over budget. I spend what is there, and don’t have to worry about a bill a month later. Much easier to stay debt free with prepaid!
I like that they are more secure when shopping online.
I love that I can use it online and in store thank you so much for the chance.
I like can use it online without the risk of fraud
I love that prepaid cards are an easy way to set a budget and try to stick to it. Also love that you can use them anywhere.
I love prepaid cards <3 They make great gifts because they take the guesswork out of shopping, and everyone can get exactly what they want. I also like that they are easy to purchase – online or in store :) Thank you so very much!! Liked and shared!! Merry Christmas!!
I love prepaid cards because you can use them everywhere! They really are the perfect gift.
prepaid cards are the best! buy them and then forget about them till needed!
I love that I don’t have to get a bill at the end of the month.
I love that I can use it anywhere,especially at home in my pjs
I love that they make gift giving easy. The recipient can use them anywhere.
I like that they’re accepted everywhere. (Just like cash!)
Love it can be used at any store or city!! It’s like cash & it’s convenient
It’s super easy to use and I don’t have to carry cash.
I like that I can use it almost everywhere
I like how both me and my kids can use it It’s so handy to have when you don’t have cash on hand
I like that they are accepted everywhere.
That you can use it to shop everywhere, including online!
i like having not to pay a monthly bill
I like that the cards are accepted most places.
I love prepaid credit cards as gifts as they are accepted most places whereas other gift cards are typically store-specific. Very often I don’t have a store-specific gift card with me when I could actually use it! Can’t carry them all, all the time!
I like that you can use them pretty much everywhere!
i love that you can use these cards everywhere and yes I incorporate them into our budget as well!
I like that “Funds are pre-paid so you can control your budget and avoid interest charges and overdraft fees.”
Great tips! did most of my shopping online
It is like a credit cad but I don’t get a bill later in the mail to pay.
I like that they can protect consumers by the Zero Liability protections of the card brand. This make me feel more confident when using them.
It makes a great gift
I love the prepaid gift cards means I don’t have to carry paper cash (and coins) with me.
I love that I can use it basically anywhere! I also like that the money is already there, and I do not need to worry about paying it off.
it’s accepted worldwide
the best thing about a prepaid card is that its limited and i cant over spend
That the funds are already there.
I like that you cant over spend and you can use it online . Thanks for thc chance
I like traveling with them so I don’t have to have a lot of cash on me.
I love that it can be used anywhere and keeps me on a budget :)
I can be used both online and in store
I like that they are accepted all over the world.
No overdraft or interest charges!! Sounds great to me! Also yes it makes a perfect gift!
its great that it can be used anywhere, and what I do when its down to just a few dollars I buy an amzon GC with the remainder, no funds wasted at all
My favorite feature is that the money is immediately available.
I am wondering though about #1 if it is only for certain types of prepaid cards or perhaps just a Canada thing as I had received a Visa from the USA and was unable to use it in Canada(even said so in the fine print). I couldn’t even order from a USA site. ????
Thanks for the opportunity this would definitely help out!
Good luck everyone!
I like the fact that I can shop online safely with a prepaid card.
The fact that you can use it basically anywhere!!
I love them!! I can use almost anywhere. I like to use them most between pay checks
I like that I can use it anywhere so it helps with routine costs if I so choose
i love that is very secure , you do not need to provide any of your information .
I like that I can keep on my budget with prepaid cards !
I love that once you reach your limit you can’t spend more, your never in debt with a prepaid card
My favourite feature of a prepaid card is that you can use them online & they’re safe!
i like that you can’t blow the budget and get yourself into debt. lol … only spend what you have on the card!
I love that I can buy things online.
I like them for peace of mind, knowing I always have money just in case, thanks
I like that a Prepaid American Express Card is secure and can use it anywhere.
I am able to use it most places
I love that you can use the card anywhere and you cant go over and into debt. Also that funds are universally acceptable.
Your card is accepted almost everywhere and you’re protected with Zero Liability.
My favourite feature of prepaid cards is that the funds are universally acceptable. I used prepaid cards on my last trip to NYC to pay for everything from my meals and transportation to Broadway show tickets! So convenient.
I love that they are accepted everywhere :)
I love so many things about prepaid cards but #1 is #5. They make the perfect gift
The ability to control my spending. Definetly the best park. Thanks for the chance!
They are great to use instead of using a debit or credit card. They also make great gifts.
No bills to pay later!
I like that you never spend more than you can afford.
I like that funds are universally acceptable
PREPAID GIFT CARDS ARE THE BEST YOU USE THEM ANYWHERE
I like that you have to stick to an amount when shopping.
I love that I can use them like a credit card but with out the bill later , I love to use these on vacations !
I like that these cards offer a spending limit.
I can’t spend more than what is allotted!
Great for online purchases, Teaching teens how to manage their money
They keep you one budget so you cant overspend with a prepaid card
I love that it budgets how much you want to spend. When its gone its gone! Plus its paid for already instead of having to pay for it later.
Love that they are gift able! who wouldn’t like to receive this? Super convenient
It’s like cash. You can spend it anywhere, however you like.
I like the security of knowing that if my card gets compromised, I won’t have to worry too much!
I love the ability to use it in so many places!
I love how you can give the cards as gifts and the recipients can spend their money wherever they want.
I love that I can use it anywhere and I don’t have to worry about going over budget, when it’s done it’s done!!
Budgeting has always been an issue for me, but when I get or give prepaid cards I know that won’t be an issue :) Perfect Christmas/Birthday gifts
My favourite feature is that I can spend it on whatever I choose!
I like the funds are available immediately
I like the simplicity of the pre-paid cards for gift giving.
I like that you can use it anywhere.
I like how they are universally accepted.
I like being able to use them in store and online
being able to use it anywhere
love the flexibility to use anywhere and once the money is gone, it’s gone and can’t over extend yourself.
love being able to use them in so many places
That you can use it at any store but has security features that make it above cash.
I love that they are universally acceptable and that they can be used instantly.
I like the fact that you pay upfront so there are no bills after.
I love that the funds are universally acceptable which makes it easier to shop anywhere!
I like them better as a gift because you can use it anywhere unlike gift cards which are to specific places.
I like that there is no overdraft charges or monthly interest.
I love that it is accepted everywhere – and makes a great gift!!!!
I like to give prepaid cards as gifts as its not as it’s universally accepted and it’s less tacky then giving cash.
I can shop online risk free & I can’t overspend!!
I like how that is the amount and your not using your actual credit card
I love that you can use them pratically anywhere ad they are so convenient.
I like that they are universally accepted.
I like that funds are universally acceptable and can be used in person, over the phone or on the internet.
Best thing about prepaid cards is that I don’t overspend and blow my budget.
viewing the balance online is helpful
I like that I can use them at most stores.
I like that you can use them almost everywhere.
I love that they make the perfect gift. You aren’t stuck to a certain store and you can chose to spend your gift as you please, wherever you please!
The ease of being to use it almost everywhere is my favourite feature prepaid cards
Love being able to use it online so I can pay household bills (then use money in my bank account for fun!)
My favorite feature of a pre-paid card is just that – it is a prepaid card – therefore it is simple to use.
My favourite feature is that it can be used anywhere.
My favourite feature is that the funds are available instantly. Great giveaway! Thanks
My favourite feature is that there is no interest charges like with a regular credit card!
I love the safety of using a prepaid card. That way I don’t have to worry about someone stealing my credit card and personal info.
I like the convenience and not worrying about interest charges
Prepaid cards give you the convenience of being able to shop almost anywhere!
I love a pre paid cards for shopping on line or when I am out of town shopping in street stores!
My favourite feature of a prepaid card is that the funds are immediately available. I like to keep them for emergencies like when we need an unexpected car or home repair.
I like that the cards are accepted everywhere.
I like that it’s a pre-set amount – makes it easier to stick to a budget. I spent more than I meant to this year, mostly on last minute gifts. The big stuff I had planned for.
My favorite feature of a pre-paid card is that the funds are immediately available
You cant over spend if its a set amount!
I like that they can be used it most places as payment :)
a prepaid credit card prevents me from over spending
I like the protection and anonymity that prepaid cards offer.
I like the ease of using a prepaid card anywhere.