Money-Saving Tips Before the Holidays

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The holiday season is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time to get financially prepared. Whether you’re planning your annual Christmas shopping, preparing to feed huge crowds of visiting family and friends, or looking into big seasonal purchases such as pearl engagement rings or Christmas getaways, there are a thousand different ways you’ll be spending money this season.

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But that doesn’t mean that you have to overspend or break the bank. Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you have to stray from your financial goals. With these money-saving tips for the holidays, you’ll be able to manage your money wisely throughout the season.

  1. Have the Right Attitude

The most important and effective thing that you can do when you’re managing money during the holidays is to have the right attitude towards giving gifts and spending money. Remember, the holidays are a time to be generous: with gifts and material things, of course, but also with our time, attention, and love. Adjusting your mindset to view “giving” as much more than presents is a great place to start.

Your intentions will be clear in the way that you spend your time and energy, and not just in the stuff that you buy for others. So, prioritize spending real quality time and attention with your family and friends, and let your material gifts flow from that connection. You’ll probably find that you’ll spend less on flashy things that will be discarded quickly, and more on meaningful items that reflect the relationship and memories that you share.

  1. Make a List

Once you’re ready to start shopping for Christmas gifts, it’s time to make a list. Before you even make a single trip to the store (or to your favorite online retailer), make sure that you have a solid list in place. The list should include everyone that you intend to buy a gift for, whether they’re friends, family, or coworkers. 

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You should also write down how much you’re planning to spend on each gift for each person. This list is ultimately your budget, and the more detailed you are at the planning stage, the more likely you are to stick to the budget. So, even if it feels weird or nit-picky, you should make your list as specific as possible. Making a detailed plan and budget from the beginning is a surefire way to save money throughout the whole holiday season. 

  1. Stick to the Plan

Now that you have a great budget laid out, it’s time to start shopping. However, it’s important to stick to the plan and the budget. One of the easiest ways to fall away from your budget is making little purchases that don’t seem like much at the time. However, these small purchases really add up, and that can break the bank in a way that you didn’t expect. That’s why sticking to your plan is the best way to save money throughout the Christmas season. 

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  1. Start Early

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to start your holiday shopping. Instead, think ahead and be on the lookout for the perfect gifts throughout the whole year. This way, you’re more likely to find the items on sale, and those savings can really add up throughout the year. Plus, shopping early and over a longer period of time can prevent extra charges to your credit card all at the same time. This could help you stay out of debt in the long-run, which will bring you cheer all year long. 

Image links:

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