4 Money-Saving Tips for the Holiday Season
Money can be tight this time of the year. While you are busy decking the halls and celebrating with friends and family, the purse strings can really take a beating.
It is rather common for January to roll around with a rough start to the year’s budget. Let’s get 2022 off on the right foot!
By planning wisely and taking a few easy steps, you can still save money this holiday season. You can also hang onto these tips for future holidays. Let’s dive in!
1. Try to Moderate Your Spending
The holidays are a time of gift-giving and showing those you love just how much they mean to you, through words, actions, and quality time. But, this doesn’t mean you should go overboard.
Consider spreading love and happiness year-round, not just one day a year. This way, you don’t have a sense of desperation catching up.
Love is not proven through gifts one day a year. You should remember it is not what is under the tree, but what is in your heart that truly matters.
That may not sound like financial advice… but I also know that the holidays mean something different to each of us. Please don’t go into debt trying to prove that you care!
2. Plan Ahead
If you are waiting until the very last minute to buy holiday gifts, send cards, cook, wrap, and clean… the list of duties really starts to stack up, not to mention the bills that come with each!
By thinking ahead and planning accordingly, you can more smoothly spread out the expenses. Consider buying gifts throughout the year, and not at the 12th hour. By pacing out your purchases, you won’t have a last-minute hard hit to the budget, but instead can just slowly acquire the items you need all year long.
Already behind for this year? Here’s my best advice: See if you can “plan ahead” for experience-based gifts that fall in the new year - not this year!
For example, take some special kids in your life to a children’s museum to break up the monotony of January/February, letting them know that will be their holiday gift. Plan a spa day with your sister, treat your dad to a brunch, or promise your girlfriends a fun day next month - it doesn’t all have to fall in December!!
3. Ask For Help
A lot of us have trouble with this one. The stress of the holidays can really add up. It isn’t all about the twinkling lights and neatly wrapped gifts. Many people struggle through this time of year, so remember to be kind and be patient. Whether it is a hard season or a happy season for you, you may still need some help.
For example, ask friends or family to bring a piece of the family meal. Instead of footing the bill for every appetizer, side, main dish, and dessert, ask each guest to pitch in. This will not only help the cost of the meal, but also the stress load.
And if you see someone else in need, offer a helping hand. This doesn’t have to be financial either. Maybe consider getting the hostess a cleaning service. This will again take an item off her list, and can count as your gift! Bonus!
4. Take Advantage of the Sales
End-of-year sales are a great time to start saving and start planning for the coming year. There is no time like the present to get a jump on wise spending!
Many stores, both brick-and-mortar and online, will offer big sales in the coming weeks. Even before Christmas hits on the calendar, national chains will offer savings in an attempt to make year-end goals.
Take advantage of post-holiday clearance sales. Watch local stores for deals that not only support your local economy but also may offer discounts on favorites. Hunting for a bargain will keep you from going over budget this holiday season and even next year’s, saving you from regret and difficulties in the New Year.
Keep track of your spending, moderate your stress level, and try to enjoy the holidays. Budgeting can be tough any time of the year, and the holidays are certainly no exception. I wish you and yours all the very best!
