4 Ways to Save Money on Clothes

Strolling through your local shopping mall, it may seem that staying on-trend can cost a pretty penny. While freshening up your wardrobe can be both a necessity and a treat, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Curious? Read on to see four of our favorite ways to save on apparel.

Thrifting: 21^st Century Style

One of the most obvious answers to saving money on clothes is thrifting. But once you’ve scoured all the racks at your local secondhand store and the garage sales have packed up for the season, where can you turn? Luckily, with an abundance of online resources, you still have options.

Sites like eBay, thredUP, Twice and many others are goldmines for gently worn, high-quality clothing. You can filter by brand, size, style, color, price range – anything! You could even search for the exact shirt you passed up at the store last week. It’s a great way to find nice clothing at a fraction of the cost.

Sales + Coupons = More Savings

Sales are tricky things – designed to make us buy under the guise that we’re getting a good deal. This means we have to be careful when we’re scouting for savings to ensure we’re truly getting a fair price. One of the best ways to secure the best value on an item is to employ a grocery savings tip – combining sales with coupons.

Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, there’s almost always a coupon out there for a certain percentage off your order. When you use this in conjunction with a sale, you’ve got the perfect recipe for savings. When buying online, RetailMeNot is an excellent source of coupon codes, so always be sure to check before you skip the promo code box at checkout. Some brands even put codes on their social media pages or partner websites, so it’s helpful to click around a few different places before finalizing your order.

So, you’ve found something you’d like to buy, but you don’t want to keep checking for a sale on the reg – what should you do? Some retailers have built-in price tracking tools, but sites like Rack it Up will also do the grunt work for you. They’ll shoot you an email when your item is on sale, so it’s easier than ever to save on your wish list.

Spend More

When you’re trying to save money on clothes, spending more may sound like quite the contradiction. But, when you pay a little more initially for a high quality item, you’ll spend less in long-term replacements and repairs. Certain pieces, like jeans, tees and outerwear, are timeless basics that will always have a place in your wardrobe. A small price tag may make it tempting to purchase from a low-end retailer, but spending a little extra for a well-crafted item will truly pay off over time.

Capsule Wardrobe

Ever heard of a capsule wardrobe? It’s essentially a mix-and-match set of clothing that’s interchangeable to create a wide variety of outfits and looks. Capsule wardrobes are focused around a few main coordinating colors, which are often predominately neutral.

Building a capsule wardrobe can be an effective way to trim clothing expenses and reduce impulse buys. While it can have expensive startup costs, depending on what’s already in your closet, it’s another venture that may just pay for itself as you move forward. Get inspiration for your own capsule wardrobe here.

Nine Ways to Boost the Value of Your Home on a Budget

Whether you’re sprucing up your home to sell in the competitive summer real estate market, investing your tax return in some overdue repairs, or just giving your space a fresh new look, keeping costs reasonable may feel like an impossible feat. Luckily, you can still make a big impact by investing in a few simple upgrades that’ll keep your bank account at a comfortable level. Read on for nine inexpensive ways to boost the value of your home.

Curb Appeal

Impressions begin with the first look, so it’s important that your home looks fresh and well kept from the outside. Keep the lawn tidy and make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed. If the exterior of your home is looking a little grimy, an afternoon with a pressure washer can really make it shine. If the paint itself is a little tired, a fresh coat can truly brighten up the whole block.

Charming Entry

Once guests or prospective buyers have decided they’re impressed with the exterior of your home, it’s time to ensure they feel the same about the inside. Make sure your front door has a nice set of hardware and a good coat of paint or stain. Take some time to give the entry a deep clean so the space looks fresh and inviting.

Break Out the Paint

When you’re in need of a quick change, a fresh coat of paint can certainly get the job done. Whether it’s an all-over color or just an accent wall, painting can totally transform a room.

Hit the Lights

Poor lighting can make your space look tired and unwelcoming. Simply opening the blinds can brighten up your home, but updating old fixtures and dim bulbs can make a lasting difference. New lighting isn’t costly, and a brighter bulb can bring definition to a room that’s lacking.

Keeping Up with the Kitchen

Often, the room in need of the most updating is the kitchen. Total transformations can cost thousands, but a few smaller updates can still have a big impact at a fraction of the cost. Painting older cabinets a modern color and installing new fixtures are just two easy ways to update on a dime. Adding a backsplash and coordinating your appliance colors can totally tie the whole room together.

A Better Bathroom

In addition to the kitchen, bathrooms are typically quite easy to update on a small budget. A few new fixtures can totally transform a dated restroom – even just a new towel rack and mirror can give a tired room new life. For an even greater “wow” factor, upgrade the sink to a more modern style and give old tile a makeover. Make your existing shower feel like a luxury spa with a rain-style showerhead – there are many affordable models that are easy to install on your own.

Cut the Clutter

Don’t have the cash to do lots of updating? Take a look around your home and think about what items you could do without. A cluttered home can make you, your guests and prospective buyers feel overwhelmed. Get rid of unused, unwanted items for an easy (and free!) way to clean up your humble abode.

Fix it Up

Leaky faucet? Burnt out bulb? Small fixes are easy to put off, but taking a day to knock them out will be a major relief. Make a list of DIY updates and finally check off those honey-do’s.

Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient upgrades aren’t just trendy – they can do wonders for your utility bills and make a home that much more appealing to buyers. For a quick, inexpensive update, start by swapping incandescent light bulbs for LED or CFL bulbs. Plug up any heating and cooling leaks around windows, doors or other drafty areas. If you’ve got extra cash in your budget, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can offer a lifetime of savings on bills.

10 Wise Ways to Spend that Tax Refund

With just weeks left until completed tax returns are due, many people are already cooking up ideas as to how they’ll use their refund check this year. While it may be tempting to take a lavish tropical vacation or buy a shiny new car, there are many other ways to use your refund that can improve your long-term financial stability. Take a look at our list of ten ways to wisely spend your tax refund this year.

1. Invest in Retirement

Whether you have a 401(k) through your employer, an individual retirement account or another way of saving for your golden years, putting some of that refund money toward retirement will pay off in the long run. With many retirement accounts seeing high returns, it’s a great time to build up your nest egg.

2. Start a Rainy Day Fund

… or add more to your existing fund! Ideally, you should have six to nine months’ worth of expenses saved, but it’s no secret that this can take a while to build up. Using your refund to boost those emergency savings can really pad that account – and you’ll thank yourself when the unexpected happens.

3. Pay Down Debt

Credit cards or student loans bogging you down? Relieve some of that financial stress and put your refund toward paying down those debts. While putting money in savings is important, high-interest debt can counteract those efforts. Your refund can be a great opportunity to get those balances down so you can start putting more in savings.

4. Get Serious About Saving

We’ll bet you have more than just one savings goal – so why put all your money in one place? Itemizing your savings is an excellent way to track how much you’re saving for each of your goals. Whether you split your money between different accounts or just use an online tool to break it all down, using your tax refund in this way can really jumpstart those savings.

5. Get an Education

Whether you’re planning to further your education or save for your child’s schooling, using your tax refund can be a good way to take advantage of 529 Savings Plans. An education is an investment that will last a lifetime, but the cost of attending college is only going up. Saving now will give you an advantage when that first semester rolls around.

6. Invest in the Essentials

Have you been putting off some necessary expenses, like a new set of tires or a trip to the dentist? Use some of your tax refund to take care of those needs so you can finally cross them off your list. Similarly, if you have an irregular income, you may also consider stocking up on some routine essentials like toothpaste and toilet paper. If money is tight during the year, you know you’ll still be able to provide the necessities for you and your family (and they’re cheaper to buy in bulk!).

7. Make a Donation

When you’re on a tight budget, charitable donations can often fall by the wayside. If you’re hoping to give back in the near future, your tax refund can provide a great means to do so. Choose a cause you’re passionate about, and don’t forget to claim the tax deduction next year.

8. Start a Business

Dreaming of being your own boss? Want to generate some extra income on the side? Your refund can jumpstart your entrepreneurial dreams and make them a reality. A little extra cash is a great opportunity to get your venture moving in the right direction, generate more income, and claim some small business tax deductions on next year’s return.

9. Update Your Home

A few updates to your home can be a great way to express yourself while also adding instant value to the home. Whether you need a new roof, a touch of modernity to your kitchen, or some energy-efficient upgrades, a home improvement project may be just the right fit for your tax refund dollars this year.

10. Treat Yourself

If you still have some of your refund available and feel comfortable with your financial situation, it’s okay to splurge a little. A summer getaway with your family or a nice dinner can be a great way to have fun with your extra cash — just be smart with what you have and don’t allow yourself to get carried away. Enjoy!

Do Some “Spring Cleaning” on Your Finances!

This year, as you coax the dust bunnies from beneath the sofa and give your appliances the ol’ scrub-down, it might be a good idea to do some spring cleaning on your finances, too. Maybe tax season brought some surprises, or your checkbook is starting to look a little out-of-whack – whatever the case may be, there’s no better time to get your money back in order.

Account Assessment

A checking account here, a savings account there – do you have so many accounts you can hardly keep track? Consider closing any unused banking or credit accounts, especially those that carry a maintenance fee. The exception, however, is an older credit account – keeping those open can be beneficial to your credit, since credit age accounts for 15% of your score.

Take the time to also balance your checkbook and make sure any online services you use to track expenses are up-to-date. Destroy any old bank statements, cards or checks you no longer need so they don’t end up in the wrong hands. Finally, organize any paperwork or account information in one convenient place, so it’s always right where you need it, when you need it.

Credit Checkup

When’s the last time you reviewed your credit? In addition to checking your credit score (free with an Emerge membership!), you can also request your annual free credit report from each of the three bureaus by logging on to annualcreditreport.com. Examine your report for any inaccurate information, and take care to dispute it if something happens to be incorrect.

When reviewing your credit accounts, take time to think about your repayment strategy. Could you be putting more toward your balances? Figure up how debt payments fit into your budget and see if there’s any extra room. The more you pay above the minimum, the less you’ll spend in long-term interest.

Insurance Inquiry

If it’s been a while since you last shopped for insurance, now might be a good time to look around for better rates. It only takes a couple hours of research, but it has the potential to save you a lot of money. With term life, car and some homeowner policies dropping in price over the past few years, you could just find yourself a great deal.

In addition to shopping around for rates, you’ll also want to make any updates to your policy, including adding any beneficiaries or accounting for renovations you’ve done to your home. These changes don’t take much time to go over and help to ensure you have the proper coverage. Always remember to shred old policies once they’re expired, too.

Beat the Winter Blues — Start Saving for a Summer Getaway!

Has the recent cold weather fueled dreams of sandy beaches, abundant sunshine and warm summer days? Although there’s still some time before we’re released from winter’s harsh grasp, you can begin turning those dreams into reality by starting a vacation fund for the summer days ahead. Getting started now will give you time to save up funds and plan the vacation you really want. That way, you can sip piña coladas without worrying about getting caught in the rain (see what we did there?).

Crunch the Numbers

Already have your vacation in mind? We thought you might. Set your plan in motion by first using ACCC’s travel budgeting calculator to determine just how much you’ll need to save for your summer escape. Think about how much you’ll spend on things like food, transportation, hotel expenses, and activities. This handy calculator even takes into account miscellaneous costs like travel insurance, passports, travel documents, currency exchange and pet or childcare while you’re away. It may surprise you how much those small expenses can add up, but it’s important to consider them when you create your budget.

Start a Vacation Fund

Once you have an idea of how much you’ll need to set aside for your vacation, open up a separate savings account and start making contributions. Having an individual account will keep your funds organized, and it can prevent you from accidentally spending money you intended to put toward your vacation. Since the fund is in an account all its own, it will be easy to track your progress as you go along.

Trim Your Spending

Just as you might cut back on sweets in order to achieve that “beach body,” you’ll want to cut back on unnecessary expenses in the months leading up to your vacation to achieve your savings goal. Think twice before you head out to a restaurant or the movie theater – ask yourself if you could prepare a meal at home or rent a film instead. You shouldn’t cut entertainment from your budget entirely, but try to make more frugal decisions so you can really boost up your vacation savings.

Spring Cleaning Pays Off

Planning to scrub down your house once springtime arrives? Take this opportunity to get rid of a few items that are cluttering up your home and make some cash in the meantime. Host a garage sale or take to the internet to sell any unwanted goods you may find, and then turn that profit into a nice deposit for your vacation savings account.

Tech-Savvy Traveler

Mobile budgeting apps can whip your savings habits into shape as you continue setting aside assets for your fund, while other apps can help you save money once you’ve set sail on your getaway. Get organized and avoid unnecessary expenses with TripIt, find the best gas prices with GasBuddy, and nab great deals on attractions with TravelZoo. Whatever your travel needs may be, there’s (probably) an app for that.

Recover from Holiday Spending

As we carefully pack up the jingle bells and garland, and polish off that last tin of treats, another holiday season comes to a close. And as the tinsel settles, holiday greeting cards will soon be replaced with credit card statements and all of the other reminders of life returning to normal in January. After the whirlwind of holiday cheer and the inevitable over-spending that often accompanies it, you might be tempted to avoid opening up those bills to face the damage the holidays have wrought on your bank balance. Here are some tips for recovering from holiday spending and getting off on the right foot for the New Year.

Avoid post-holiday sales

The holiday shopping rush is over, so enjoy it! Don’t let deals and discounts tempt you back into the consumer madness. Instead of more shopping, focus on getting rid of the things that you don’t need: return unwanted gifts that you received (sorry, Aunt Myrtle), and clean out your closets to find other items to sell or donate to charity. If you make a charitable donation before the end of the year, you may even be able to benefit from a tax deduction on your 2014 return.

Hibernate in January

Take a break from the gluttony of the season by going back to basics in the New Year: cook meals at home and avoid eating out, watch movies in your living room instead of going to the theater, and catch up on the projects and goals that you might have neglected in the past year. Reflect on your goals for 2015, financial and otherwise, and take the time that you need to identify your spending and saving priorities for the New Year.

Face your bills and make a plan

Warning: this might be painful. Pull out your bank statement and credit card bills and add up your total spending over the holidays. Did you have a budget goal? Did you stick to it? If you overspent, make sure not to let holiday spending get you off track from your priorities, such as a house or car payment. Make a plan to catch up or pay off any debt that you incurred as quickly as possible. What expenses can you reduce in the New Year? Use holiday bonuses towards your debt and use debt management resources that can help you take control, such as financial coaching from Emerge. Whatever your plan is, make sure that this year’s holiday spending isn’t still hanging over your head when the Season Greets you next year.

Plan for 2015

Don’t let the holidays take you by surprise again. Once you have tallied up this year’s holiday spending, review it with your family and decide what was reasonable and where you went overboard. Set next year’s budget now and plan how to save in advance so you are ready by Turkey Day 2015. Make sure to include all of the extra spending that comes along with the holidays, besides just gifts: greeting cards and postage, extra grocery expenses for entertaining, and all of the other little costs that add up during this time of year.

Don’t let the holiday cheer turn into a New Year’s slump: take charge of your finances by addressing debt head-on and carefully planning for what lies ahead in 2015. Have a safe and happy New Year!

5 Ideas for Your Frugal Holiday Bash

The holidays can be a taxing time for your budget, but that doesn’t mean you should have to skip out on any merry festivities. A holiday gathering with friends can be just what you need to relieve some of that end-of-year stress, so plan a guilt-free bash by following a few of our tips.

1. Potluck Party

Food can really add up when you’re planning an event, so cut your budget down by inviting guests to bring along their favorite dish. Not only will you save money at the grocery store, but you’ll also have a great assortment of food to share with everyone.

2. Deck the Halls

You don’t have to break the bank to make your party merry and bright – there are many affordable ways to liven up your space. Take a trip to your local dollar store to snag decorations at a great price; or look no further than your own front yard for a variety of natural elements. You can craft a dazzling centerpiece with just pinecones, sprigs of evergreen, berries, twigs, or anything else you can find, so have fun with it!

3. Your Signature Beverage

If you choose to serve alcohol at your party, create one cocktail for everyone to enjoy rather than purchasing several different beverages. Let your inner mixologist shine as you craft a signature drink for your guests. Consider offering a holiday-inspired beverage, like a sweet Candy Cane martini or a fruity Pomegranate Mimosa. Having a kid-friendly gathering? Try this homemade spiced cider.

 4. Set the Mood

The holiday season is enchanting all its own, and you can bring some of that magic to life without spending a fortune. Burn scented candles throughout your home and put together a holiday music playlist to get guests feeling festive. You don’t have to pay a DJ or hire a professional decorator to make your party a success – you can DIY for a fraction of the cost.

5. Trim the Fat

Just as you cut extra expenses from your monthly budget, you can also cut out any non-essential spending from your holiday party budget. Skip sending out physical invitations and just create a fun email invite to let friends know about your party. Instead of buying disposable plates and cutlery, use what you already have – although you’ll have more dishes to clean, it’ll add a touch of class and sophistication to your gathering.

Envelope Budgeting: Is it Worth the Hype?

Everyone manages his or her finances a little differently. Some prefer to track their spending in a spiral notebook while others enjoy monitoring their expenses within a mobile banking app. An increasingly popular method of money management involves envelope budgeting. Individuals figuratively (and sometimes literally!) cut their debit and credit cards and exclusively make purchases with cash. Many envelope budgeters are focused on saving money and paying down debt more quickly. We caught up with two young budget-savvy women to learn about their experience with envelope budgeting.

“Like many other young college graduates, my first year as an ‘adult’ started with a pile of debt. Not only that, but I watched other family members struggle with it as well,” said Jacoby, a recent college grad who began envelope budgeting just over three months ago. “I’d love to be debt free from my student loans in four years and it’s my monthly goal to put an extra $400 toward loans each month.”

“Envelope Budgeting” Defined

So, what’s with the name? Envelope budgeting is founded upon the concept of separating all of your different budget categories into individual envelopes. For example, if you’ve budgeted $300 for groceries, you’d have an envelope labeled “Groceries” with $300 cash inside. The idea is that when the money inside the envelope is gone, there’s very little opportunity to overspend.

“It keeps my husband and I accountable to the amount we’ve budgeted for each category,” explained Alex, a newlywed just starting to implement the envelope budgeting system in her household. “Every time we spend money, we keep the receipt and write down the amount on the outside of the envelope. It will always tell us how much is left and kind of makes it a game for us because we can’t go over when we shop.”

Alex has been reading about envelope budgeting for over a month, but just began the practice at the beginning of December. She notes that while the system is worthwhile, it’s not met without challenges.

“It can be time-consuming and confusing at first. We’ve already forgotten a few things on the budget and haven’t had enough cash to fill up a few envelopes,” Alex admits. “But I know it’s rewarding and beneficial to our finances.”

“There are certain instances when a debit or credit card is convenient. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives,” Jacoby agreed.

The Psych Behind the Swipe

There’s actually a fair amount of psychology at play within the envelope strategy. Proponents of the system assert that it’s tougher to hand over a wad of cash than it is to pay with a card. This is one of the reasons the envelope method is thought to be so popular.

“Handing over cash is so much more difficult than swiping a card – even if it is debit,” Alex confessed.

Budgets often fail because people find it too difficult to sacrifice spending on things they “want” versus what they actually need. Jacoby found that envelope budgeting has helped relieve guilt from spending on those “wants” from time to time.

“As a lover of shopping, it also helps with discipline. I used to feel guilty when I’d swipe my card for a new top, but now with my clothing budget, I can treat myself to $30 a month – guilt free!”

Envelopes: A Better Budget?

Many people find that the envelope system increases their budgeting awareness and allows them to feel more involved with their finances. While this is Alex’s first time creating a household budget, Jacoby previously used an account aggregation website to track her expenses (sites that connect to your bank accounts, like Mint).

“I didn’t feel as accountable with my spending and my mind wasn’t goal-oriented to tackle debt,” she said of the software. “I like that I can physically see where my money goes, which is much different from a debit card.”

Both young women plan to stick with the budgeting strategy in the long term. Jacoby expects to use the system even after she has paid off all of her debts, although she believes she’ll be less strict on herself as time goes on. Money management is something Alex vows to teach her family one day.

“I have high hopes for us and this system. I hope to continue using it no matter our financial circumstances. It’s just as easy to go into debt when you’re making six figures as it is when you’re making 20K,” she pointed out. “Once we start having a family – which is a long way off for us – I want to instill this practice in my children’s lives. If they start to learn how to handle their money early, they have less of a chance of getting into debt later.”

Wisdom for Prospective Budgeters

For those considering adopting the envelope budgeting strategy, both ladies offer words of advice.

“Be patient with yourself,” Alex insisted. “It won’t come in a day, week or even a month.”

“Organization is key,” Jacoby advised. “It is also important to have a goal in mind. That may be the amount of time you’d like to get out of debt, how much extra you’d like to put toward your loans, or how much you’d like to put toward investments.”

Getting started with envelope budgeting is easy. Sticking with it can be the tricky part. If you’re tired of traditional budgeting or just willing to take a stab at something new, consider giving the envelope method a try. You may be surprised to find that a few envelopes and a new perspective can provide an avenue to truly take control of your finances.

Being Thankful isn’t Just for Thanksgiving!

Few days make us feel as “warm and fuzzy” as Thanksgiving. There’s something remarkably special about sitting around the table with your loved ones, sharing delicious food and meaningful conversation. It’s common to speak about the things for which you’re thankful, whether it’s the chance to reconnect with family, your health and vitality, or a number of other reasons.

Counting our blessings has a host of benefits. Sometimes it’s easy to forget just how lucky we are, especially if we’ve recently been through a particularly tough time. Taking the time to name off all the positives can be a great way to overshadow any negatives. Overall, adopting a more thankful mindset allows us to value the people and things in our lives, even when we’re feeling down or a bit defeated.

When we learn to place more value on the things that money can’t buy, we realize that we too often look to the wrong places to give us happiness. Rather than cherish the things we already have, we believe for a moment that a material object can fill a certain void, so we make irresponsible spending decisions. In truth, there’s nothing that can replace the people, opportunities, and experiences that give our lives meaning.

This Thanksgiving, don’t stop counting your blessings once the turkey has been put away and that last slice of pumpkin pie has been devoured. Live life with a grateful heart and remind yourself daily of just how lucky you are. Cherish your loved ones; make the most of each moment and delight in the time spent together. You’ll emerge with a heart filled to the brim … and that’s something money will never be able to buy.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Emerge!

How to Save Money … When You Don’t Have Any!

What’s that in the air? It’s the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and slight panic as the holidays are rapidly approaching. Is that holiday savings account that you set up in January not quite as … robust … as you might have imagined? If you’ve struggled with meeting your savings goals over the year, you are not alone. Saving is hard! Even after mastering the monthly budget, prioritizing only the necessary expenses, and even paying down some debt, many Americans still struggle to find money to put aside. But you can always find a way to save. Impossible, you say? Not so. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Plug–up spending leaks
You may have already gotten that pumpkin spice latte habit under control but look for other ways that you are spending money unnecessarily. A frequent culprit? Fees. ATM fees, bank fees, credit card fees — many these can be avoided with a little planning. Close inactive accounts and find no-fee credit cards. Plan ahead when you need cash and get it from your own bank. Fees might seem small and forgettable, but you probably haven’t included them in your budget, and they could add up to a nice savings over the course of the year.

Avoid spending disguised as savings
BOGO? No, no. Have you ever experienced the rush of excitement from how much you “saved” buying a new set of nesting mixing bowls, and getting a second set for half off? The excitement fades away quickly when your spouse asks why you needed another set of mixing bowls. Good deals are great, but only when they are saving you money on something that you already planned to buy. Another way that “saving” can cost you? Buying cheap. You buy the cheap paper towels and your family uses two at a time. You buy the least expensive hair dryer for your three teenage girls and their combined six feet of hair, and it’s shot within a month. Carefully consider your household purchasing habits in order to make the best use of your precious resources.

Second-guess the swipe
Unexpected expenses or impulse purchases might have you grasping for the credit card, but adding to your debt is taking away from your savings. Squash the “need-it-now” mentality and try to save a little and buy it next month. Paying interest on debt is another spending leak that should be avoided whenever possible.

Pay yourself first
Include your savings goal in your budget (no matter how small) and take it off of the top of your paycheck, instead of waiting to see what’s left to save after you finish all of your spending for the month (hint: there won’t be anything left). Be strict with yourself and make sure that your savings are safely stowed away before you even think about how to spend them.

Start small and build on your savings
Can you save $5 per month? $10? You might be rolling your eyes at such a small amount, but it will add up. What’s even more important than the $60-$120 that you might save over the year? Establishing the lifelong habit of savings.

The key to savings is to start, and start now! Talk to your family about the importance of saving, and ask them to help you get started, even amidst the craziness of the holiday season.