Let’s be honest: The holiday season comes with plenty of expenses that need to be covered — from grocery shopping for Christmas dinner to gift-buying. Per CNBC, Americans spend almost $1,500 each during the holidays. In other words, this time of year can get costly. So, it’s always a good idea to find cheaper ways to get through the expensive season. With that in mind, here are four ways to save for the holidays to put you and your bank account in a merry mood.
1. Take advantage of discounts.
When buying presents, finding sales and discounts are a must. If a gift costs $50 at one store, do research and see if nearby stores have the same product. And if they do have it, check and see if they are running a holiday sale or an online-only exclusive deal. You could save hundreds of dollars if you take the extra step and find the best discounts for your desired purchases. Preserve your coins, sis!
2. Consider having group celebrations with loved ones.
If you’re constantly over budget when grocery shopping, consider sharing the cooking burden with loved ones. Require each guest to bring one or two dishes to the function. This tip will cut your costs in half and minimize stress.
3. Get crafty with DIY decor and gifts.
Nothing makes a loved one smile like a handmade gift. It also saves a ton of money, too! If you’re skilled at handcrafted jewelry, painting, or calligraphy, let your skills shine for the holidays. Not only will your loved one appreciate the attention to detail, but they will find it hard to re-gift the creation.
4. Take inventory of your unwanted or unused items.
Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing wrong with re-gifting unwanted or unused items. Instead of spending more on holiday gifts, review the options you already have. You may find a gift that your loved one will appreciate. In addition, you can also sell those items on resell sites such as eBay and Letgo.
Navigating the festive season may be stressful, but these four ways to save for the holidays are perfect for lightening the load. That said, may your holiday shopping go off without a hitch while saving you some coins. Happy Holidays!
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