Holiday time seems to always be a little more challenging when it comes to actually saving money. It can be done, but it takes a few tricks and some discipline. Here are a few tips to help you save a few pennies instead of spending all of them during the holiday season.
Keep It Simple
Simplicity is the keyword when it comes to not spending a bundle and actually saving a bit during the holidays. Extravagant costs money, but simple saves it. Keep in mind that the holidays are about more about family and less about gifts — remembering this will help you make a conscious decision not to overspend. {Ways to Simplify the Holidays}
Plan Ahead
Saving money during the holidays means planning ahead. Start early with buying that you plan to do. If you want to start super early and save a great deal of money, shop for gifts, holiday decorations and supplies right after a holiday is over. You can put them up and save them for the next year’s holiday and save a nice little bundle. Planning ahead also allows you to spread out your spending over time and save it as you go. {Starting a Gift Closet}
Don’t Buy Into the Commercialism
Holidays have become more and more commercialized nowadays. Don’t buy into it! Television and Internet ads urge you to buy, buy, buy and spend, spend, spend. Make a commitment not to fall for it. Look for ways to celebrate the holidays with fewer bells and whistles and more simple pleasures like visiting with loved ones.
Choose Practical Gifts
You can splurge and spend a large chunk of change on holiday gifts, but if you’re trying to save money, opt for less expensive ideas. Whatever you choose to spend money on for gifts, make sure it is useful. A frivolous item that will be thrown in a closet or placed on a shelf and forgotten is a waste of money. Look for items that serve a purpose and will be useful for the recipient. Club memberships, magazine subscriptions, recipe books, and other items can be good choices.
Make Homemade Gifts
Homemade gifts for the holidays can be both frugal and special. How about a plate or a tin of homemade cookies and candies? If you’re crafty, think about other things you can make for loved ones. Homemade scarves or winter hats, decorative items like painted signs or even homemade holiday decorations can be good choices. You can also put together a scrapbook or a photo album for a loved one. Check out our {Gifts in a Jar} series.
The holidays don’t need to be about spending large amounts of money. You can create a spectacular holiday for your family and in your home while still saving money. Set your budget, plan ahead, and look for creative ideas for gifts. Keep it simple and remember that the holidays are not the commercialized extravaganzas that are popularized by the media.
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