Christmas can be stressful in spite of the goodies, Christmas music and the many glasses of champagne and Bailey’s. It doesn’t have to be stressful. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a wonderful Christmas. Don’t get caught up in all the hype, use these money saving tips to save yourself from some stress and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
1. Use A Cashback Credit Card
You can earn cashback on every purchase you make when you choose a cashback credit card. On average, you’ll get up to five percent back on all your purchases which means you’re actually earning to shop. If you are shopping online you might even be able to find some easy to apply discount codes that will make it even less costly.
2. Buy Online
Consider buying online and stay out of stores that have huge and very tempting displays. There is no reason that you even have to leave the house to do your holiday shopping. Plus, you can take advantage of online discount codes and save a lot of money.
3. Don’t Be Snobbish
Don’t stress over what others think of you just because your gift isn’t as pricey as everyone else’s. You’re sure to appreciate a discount and remember that homemade gifts are always the best. Put some meaning into your gift and don’t stress over the cost.
4. Book Your Travel 8 Weeks Ahead Of Time
While you may not consider this part of your shopping, it still qualifies. You’re using up your budget and the sooner you book in advance, the less expensive your tickets are going to be. Find special travel deals online and take advantage of them. If you wait until the last minute, you may wind up spending thousands more.
5. Use Store Loyalty Cards
Obviously, these have their place in your shopping. If you can shave some money off of your end price you’re doing it right. Claim your points and all of your discounts by using these cards. Remember, the more loyal you are to one store, the more likely you are to get the real rewards.
6. Don’t Overstock On Food
Keep in mind that there will also be after holiday sales. The stores are going to want to purge their shelves to prepare for spring. Buy what you need and don’t waste it. Keep portion size in mind as well as how long you can store leftovers.
7. Take Time To Be Organized
Create a master list of who you’re going to buy fo. This will help you to space out your shopping and avoid the rush. Consider all sources when you’re doing your shopping. If your neighbor invites you over and hands you a gift, have a few token gifts available to reciprocate but keep these small and inexpensive. Consider dollar store candles and perhaps a mug with a box of specialty tea or something.
8. Use Voucher Codes
Take advantage of voucher codes and check the Internet for coupons before leaving home. If you’re meeting friends for dinner check for coupons before you leave home. You may wind up saving a lot of money and getting meals for half price.
9. Black Friday (Are You Brave?)
While there are many great deals on Black Friday, plan ahead before you leave home. If you’re seeking steeply discounted goods you can plan ahead to take advantage of sales. However, remember that many of these stores will also offer steep discounts online and there is always Cyber Monday.
10. Speaking Of Cyber Monday
If you’re not into the crowds of Black Friday (and few of us are), you can take advantage of Cyber Monday. This is when the stores put everything online on sale. You can scoop up a lot of great deals by simply waiting for Monday to roll around.
11. Shop Now For The Best Deals
Shop all year long and take advantage of great deals. You’re sure to scoop up a great deal the day after Christmas. Just like all of the Halloween candy is on sale the day after, there are many half price sales going on the day after Christmas. Plan ahead (yes, even a year ahead) for the following year and you may just wind up paying even less. Have a spot that you store all pre purchased gifts and you may find that you’ve got your shopping all done by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. Now you can really sit back and relax and forget about the stress of your holidays. It’s amazing how well these tips can help you to save money, de stress and plan ahead.
