It's that time of year again! The holiday season is upon us, and everything we love about this time of year comes with it.
We celebrate Christmas with family and friends, give gifts to those we love, and watch all our favorite holiday movies.
As you go through this holiday season, you may find yourself indulging in holiday festivities and shopping. As a result, you'll need to know how much money you intend to spend. Otherwise, you could end up draining your bank account by the time Christmas rolls around!
After all, it can be easy to overspend during this time of year!
I can admit that I love gifting others with meaningful gifts and enjoying everything this season has to offer. But before starting your shopping spree, take a look at your funds. From there, determine how much money you can put towards Christmas gifts without affecting your monthly expenses.
If you're like me, you might have already started thinking about how much you need to save and spend for the upcoming holiday season.
I've gathered some of the best tips, tricks, and hacks that will help you save money this holiday season.
Here are seven ways to save money this holiday season:
- Plan ahead.
It's important to start planning your holiday shopping as soon as possible. This will help you avoid last-minute decisions that cost more money. If you have a tight budget this year, start shopping early and stick with that budget!
- Set a budget and stick to it.
You must set a budget before the holiday shopping season starts. The best way to do this is to list all your expenses and compare them against your income. Do not forget any expenses such as gifts for friends and family members, parties, or dinners! Then start saving as much as possible before the holiday shopping season begins so that you don't have to resort to credit cards or loans during this period.
Bonus! Here’s a great way to save for the next holiday season: start your Christmas budgeting challenge now!
- Shop early for gifts and decorations.
The earlier you start shopping, the better deal you'll find on gifts and decorations. This year, retailers have been offering discounts early in the season because of slow sales from last year.
If you wait until the last minute, you'll be forced to rush through stores and pay more for everything. You also run the risk of forgetting about the holidays altogether because there's so much other stuff going on in your life at this time of year.
- Decorate your house on a budget
Decorating your home for the holidays doesn't have to cost a fortune! Many affordable ways to decorate your home for the holidays without breaking the bank. For example, try using inexpensive items around your house, like pinecones, candles, or twinkle lights, to add some holiday cheer without spending too much money.
- Don't shop impulsively.
The best way to ruin your holiday budget is to go shopping when you're not in the mood or feel pressured by the calendar date. Instead of shopping when you're bored or stressed out, wait until you're in the right frame of mind and then take advantage of online stores' after-Christmas sales.
Have a plan before you go shopping. Knowing what you want before you go into the store or online will make it easier to resist impulse buys. You'll also be less likely to buy something because it was on sale if nothing else catches your eye.
- Find free or low-cost activities for kids and adults alike.
Holiday events are a great way to get out of the house, meet new people and have fun with the family. If your town has a community center or recreation department, check their calendars for holiday events. You may find free concerts, movies, or plays at local venues. Also, consider volunteering at a local charity event to have fun while helping others.
You can also consider visiting museums, art galleries, and other places where admission is free or cheap.
- Prefer making DIY gifts
Instead of buying presents for family and friends, make them yourself! You'll save money, and it'll be fun! There are many tutorials online for homemade gifts like lip balm, candles, or even homemade laundry detergent.
There are plenty of ways to save money this holiday season. To make sure that you don't overspend, take a few minutes to create a budget and set reasonable limits.
I have a little challenge for you - think about what's truly important to you.
If it's the gifts or the time spent with those you care about most, then you have your answer! And above all else (and I can't stress this enough), remember the season's true meaning. This time of year, so close to Christmas, is all about giving, not getting.
