Making The Holidays More Affordable: Top Tips To Save You Breaking The Bank
Christmas is notoriously expensive. There are mouths to feed and presents to put under the tree. However, there are ways of making life more affordable during the holidays. Hopefully, these top tips will enable you to celebrate in style without breaking the bank.
Shop online
If you shop online, you can take advantage of the best deals without the hassle or stress of navigating crowded malls. You can compare prices offered by hundreds of retailers in an instant. You can also sign up for news about promo codes and flash sales. If you have your eye on something, don’t buy it at full price. Go online and sign up for the store’s mailing list. It’s highly likely that you’ll receive a discount code shortly after you register. If you’re buying lots of gifts, take advantage of offers like 3 for 2 and free delivery.
It’s also a good idea to shop online for groceries. When you go to the store, especially at Christmas, it’s easy to spend more than you anticipated. When you visit an online supermarket, you can keep track of what you’ve spent. It’s also much easier to resist temptations when you can’t see them. You can also use the Internet to scout out the best deals by comparing offers at competing stores.
Make your own cards and gifts
If you’re creative, you can save yourself a load of money by making cards and gifts at home. You can design your own cards, or get the kids involved. Stock up on colored card, glue dots, and glitter. Cut your own scenic pictures or felt shapes. Add sparkling jewels or goggly eyes. If you don’t have children, you can stick to more adult-friendly designs or order a DIY pack from a craft store. Good examples of homemade gifts include DIY food hampers, lanterns, and bathtime treats.
Set a budget
Have a discussion with your relatives before you start shopping, and set a budget. This way, everyone is spending the same, and you can plan ahead. Write a list of everyone you need to buy for, and calculate your estimated total spend. Once you’ve got numbers in mind, do some research. Take a trip around the shops or do some virtual window shopping online.
Collect coupons
Christmas isn’t just costly because you’ve got to buy gifts. You’ll also need to factor in buying food and drink. If you’re entertaining over the festive period, the cost of a good shop can really add up. Coupons and vouchers can help you to save money. Collect coupons over the next couple of weeks, and then redeem them on your festive shop. It may also be a good idea to spread the cost by buying items every week and putting them away. You won’t be able to do this with fresh produce, but it will work for drinks and non-perishable items.
For many people, Christmas is the most expensive time of the year. We all want to enjoy the festive period without stressing about money. Hopefully, these tips will help you save money without taking the joy out of the holidays.
