Save On Christmas: 12 Tips to Save A LOT on Holiday Expenses
With the proximity of Christmas, some expenses of this period also arrive, and the best attitude to take is to organize the finances so as not to start the following year in the red. In this way, there are general tips that we can follow when buying gifts or organizing supper, as well as guidelines for each type of Christmas purchase. We separated the selection with 12 incredible tips to save on Christmas.
12 Tips to Save Money on Christmas
1. Set your budget
The first step before buying gifts or deciding on the supper menu is defining the budget. Consider your financial planning and observe the amount available for Christmas shopping. By setting a specific budget for your financial profile, you have more control over spending and don’t risk getting into debt.
2. Use your credit card sparingly
A credit card is a great tool to increase your purchasing power, as it allows you to pay for a more significant purchase that exceeds your budget. However, it is necessary to consider the installments’ value and whether the purchase will be advantageous in the long term. Remember that credit card interest rates are high, and you should do your best not to get into debt.
3. Make a shopping list
Once your budget is defined, you can create a shopping list based on it. List the types of gifts to buy in addition to the grocery shopping list. With a well-crafted list, it’s easier to meet the goals and buy only what’s on it without distractions and expenses you need to learn about in the budget.
4. Do your shopping in advance
Prices tend to rise sharply as Christmas approaches. At this time, irresistible promotions arise; marketing works with everything to make you buy as much as possible. The time limit also becomes a pressure factor; you make lousy shopping choices under these conditions. Therefore, try to make purchases as far in advance as possible and avoid pressure and high prices.
5. Search and compare prices
To save money, you need to spend some time. Do not hesitate to visit various shops, websites, and supermarkets. You will be surprised how the same product can have so much difference in price between one store and another.
How to Save Money on Christmas Gifts
The tips above are for buying Christmas gifts, but we have specific suggestions below. Knowing who you will give as a gift and setting your budget can make all the difference in your pocket. Before you go shopping, be sure to check it out.
6. Don’t just go shopping
The mall might seem like the ideal place to do all your shopping at once. After all, there is a wide variety of stores at various prices, and the environment is comfortable—all of this is designed to make you spend more. So, don’t let the mall be your only option for shopping. Go to alternative malls and high-street stores and do a lot of research on the internet to save time.
7. List the gifts
When making your Christmas gift shopping list, include who will receive the gift. That way, you don’t risk forgetting anyone and include the critical people for whom you will buy a souvenir on this date. Know how many people you’ll gift to help you set a budget and what gifts you will give.
8. Leave the kids at home
If there is a way to leave the children at home during this period, avoid taking them shopping. Children are more sensitive to compulsive buying stimuli and will undoubtedly make you spend beyond what was foreseen in the budget. But if your children are older, starting at age 10 is an excellent opportunity to teach them about financial education.
9. Take advantage of January offers
Can some gifts be left for later? If you’ll see the person who received the gift sometime soon, a great way to save money is to shop until January. With trade in lesser flow, there are many promotions during this period, which is a great chance to buy with a lot of savings.
Christmas dinner: know how to save
Finally, we have some tips to make Christmas dinner affordable. First, you need to know how many people will attend, and thus, you should define your budget based on that number. Check out more tips.
10. Define the menu in advance
With the number of guests, set the menu well in advance so you have more time to shop. Non-perishable items can be purchased in advance to save time on the eve of supper and guarantee reasonable prices.
By defining the menu, you can also make more economical substitutions. The traditional Christmas turkey can be replaced by roast pork or a cheaper fish like hake. More options for salads, vegetables, and side dishes such as farofa and mayonnaise also help to save on meat.
11. Buy wholesale
Once you have your menu, you can save a lot on wholesale purchases, especially with drinks. Non-perishable products stored at home for longer can be purchased well in advance at wholesale. Even so, there are several stores to visit and compare prices. Also, use this tip to guarantee the best price.
12. Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables
The traditional fruit table is a classic at Christmas for families. In addition to replacing a table with desserts, you save a lot, mainly if you invest in seasonal fruits.
