The holidays are right around the corner, and decorations, lights, and wish lists are in place.
Whoever said this was the most wonderful time of the year clearly knew how to keep their wallet merry and tight. We’ve compiled a list of money-savvy strategies to stay out of debt this holiday season, our gift to you!
1. Make a Plan and Set a Budget
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is going to a store unprepared. This is the surefire way to overspend. Before ever leaving the house, ask yourself:
- Who is on the nice list?/Who am I buying for?
- What gifts am I looking for?
- How much time am I going to spend shopping?
- What is my budget?
Jingle all the way to January by making a plan, setting a budget, and creating a timeline.
2. Feliz Navi-deals
This is the season for sales! Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday promotions await!
Research shows that each year, consumers spend a total of $11.3 billion on Cyber Monday shopping alone. Sign up for newsletters to get notified of pre-sales, special promotions, and exclusive access to deals from your favorite stores.
It’s important to note that keeping your data safe is even more important than scoring those amazing deals. If it sounds “too good to be true,” chances are it is. Don’t purchase anything from suspicious websites, and get a VPN application to enhance your security when shopping online.
3. Personalize and DIY
DIY presents embrace something purchased gifts do not – a personal touch. The possibilities are endless when it comes to handmade gifts. Get creative and try some of these popular DIY present ideas:
- Cookies made from scratch.
- Personalized ornaments.
- Scented hand scrub.
- Decorated flower pots.
Handmade gifts are truly priceless. They not only save you money but also show your loved ones that thought and effort were put into their presents.
4. Check Your List Twice
If Santa checks his list twice, so should you! Before making a purchase, price-check the item with other retail stores to confirm you’re getting the lowest price tag possible.
Online shopping makes this easier than ever. There are numerous apps and websites designed specifically to help you locate the best deals out there. If your planned gift is just out of budget, explore different options, and you might just discover a hidden gem at a lower price.
5. Rewards & Cashback
Who knew holiday shopping could be a financially rewarding experience?
Over 90% of companies have a loyalty program of some sort, and we should all be taking advantage of them. Even credit card companies offer cashback or points that you can redeem for future purchases.
Check out your banking institute’s reward program and look for shopper perks at every store you intend to purchase from.
Conclusion
Holiday shopping can be a daunting task, especially for your bank account. Make a plan, develop a budget, discover deals, embrace DIY, price check, and take advantage of cashback/loyalty programs.
After all, the holidays are not about splurging on gifts and breaking the bank. They’re for making memories with the ones you love, and that’s the greatest gift of all.
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