Hello World! Welcome Friends! Every year, the holidays come around and you find yourself facing a budget crunch before shopping begins. It’s a special time of year, but you shouldn’t finish it in debt.
You can shop smarter for those on your gift list. It’s not just presents that can drain your bank account. Parties and holiday meals also take a toll on your finances, so prepare for these expenses as well. Consider these tips as you plan for the season this year.
Plan Before you Buy
One of the best ways to get a handle on the cost of the holidays is to make sure you have a plan. Make a list of those on your shopping list and the gifts you expect to buy. Even if you don’t know what you are buying, list the amount you will spend that is within your means.
The idea here is to develop a reasonable shopping budget that you can afford, not a list of presents that you put on your credit card. Consider the money you have on hand to purchase presents and plan accordingly. The same is true for parties and holiday meals. Plan for these and create a reasonable budget.
Create your Own Gifts
Once you’ve created your shopping list, you may find that there are more gifts than there is cash. You can save money this shopping season by planning on creating gifts for some. For example, with wool & knitting supplies, you can make unique and personalized sweaters, socks, scarfs and hats for friends and family.
The opportunities are endless for personalized gifts you create for loved ones. Whether it’s preserving favorite foods, making ornaments and wreaths, or even building wood jewelry boxes, you can give unique gifts that will mean more because of the special effort you made.
Commit to Paying Cash and Using Coupons
Even if you missed Black Friday sales, you can find ways to track down discounts and coupons on gifts on your list. Once you’ve identified the gifts you want to give, check websites for discounts or coupons for the items. One trick is identifying the item and adding it to your cart on a website and leaving it there. The retailer will probably remind you that you left it in the cart, and many will offer you discounts to encourage you to purchase it.
Just avoid using your credit card for purchases. Holiday shopping is no reason to go into debt that you will spend much of the next year paying off.
Stick to the Plan, No Matter the Deals
You may not always find exactly what you want for that special gift. But don’t be distracted by sales of items you don’t need. There will be bargains announced throughout the holidays, but it doesn’t matter if it’s not on your list or doesn’t work as a gift. And don’t stray into buying things for yourself that aren’t part of the shopping plan.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Different Types Of Snow Guards
Make Your Home Cozy This Winter
Home Safety for your Senior Parents
Minor House Repairs You Can Easily Fix Yourself
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
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