|
12 Ways to Save During the Holidays
You've heard of the Twelve Days of Christmas - how about Twelve Ways to save this Christmas! Being prepared this holiday season can really help save some money.
1) Make a list - Just like Santa Claus, make that list. You never know when the perfect gift will come up. If you know what you are buying for whom, you will be better prepared to take advantage of bargains you find when you actually start shopping.
2) Start early - If you are prepared with your list, you will know early on what you are looking for, so when those
unexpected deals present themselves, you are ready for action.
3) Know your budget - Having a budget, and more importantly, sticking to it can help you stay on top of spending during this time of year.
4) Get a part time job - Not only will you earn some extra money, working part time in a retail store can earn you a discount at that store, a great way to save money on those must have gifts.
5) Watch for sales/comparison shop - Watch your mailers, check online, get your local newspaper... those are all great resources for watching for sales. Don't forget to compare prices between ads, and be sure to ask about price matching. Most major retail chains have programs that allow store personnel to "match" an advertised price.
6) Shop online - Shopping online can help you save money in several ways. You can avoid impulse buying, better research your cost options, save on shipping by having your gift shipped directly to the receiver, and even save time and gas by not having to leave the comforts of your own home.
7) Use coupons/online discount codes - Whether you are shopping in a store, or online, be sure to watch for discounts. If you are shopping online, search the name of the store you are shopping + discount code, more often than not, you will find some kind of discount code you can use. This can be anything from a price discount to free shipping. You may even be able to find a printable coupon on your favorite store's website...
8) Use cash - One great way to avoid incurring hidden fees is to shop using cash. This way you will be better aware of "extra spending" and are more inclined to skip that little something that isn't on your list. You will also avoid incurring finance charges and other fees associated with using credit.
9) One larger, more meaningful gift - Rather than buying multiple smaller gifts, give a single gift that has more meaning or usefulness.
10) Coordinate with others - Coordinate with other family members, friends or co-workers to go together and share the expense of buying a combined gift.
11) Homemade gifts - Making a gift can save money and make the gift more personal. If you search online for "homemade Christmas gifts," you will find many ideas for great gifts to fit any budget.
12) Give the gift of time - The gift of time can be very special. Spend the day with a friend, just "catching-up," or plan to cook a meal and share time together. During the holidays, it can be easy to lose track of time and the busyness of life can pull us in many different directions. Taking time out of your busy schedule can be a great way to show you care...
Going into the holiday season well prepared can help to make saving money much easier. With these and other tips, you can be well on your way to a budget friendly holiday season.
| 
