Tips for saving not spending during the holidays
When you think of Christmas time or the New Year celebrations what are the fist things that come to mind? Hopefully you think of the time that you will have to spend with family and friends. But unfortunately for many, the holidays are also a time to worry about debt, having enough gifts for everyone and paying for all the food that will be eaten at those family gatherings. During the holidays people are not usually thinking about how to save rather than how to spend their money. But there are ways for saving not spending during the holidays. Here are a few tips that you can follow:
Think thrifty when giving gifts
Being cheap and being frugal are certainly not the same thing. Many times some of the most thoughtful and treasured gifts are the ones that were made with the recipient in mind rather than those gifts that were bought at some fancy boutique. Hopefully those on your gift list are not so shallow as to only accept designer gift. Speaking of your list of people to shop for, reconsider just how many people you are giving gift to. Sure it is great to give but you have to realize that you should not feel like you have to give a fancy gift to everyone that you know. Small gifts or gifts that you can make on a budget are nothing to be embarrassed about. Your friends and family should realize that the value of a gift does not lie in its purchase price.
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Make your wardrobe work
It's hard to think of the holidays without thinking of holiday parties. Whether you have dozens of parties to attend or just one or two special events this season, before going out to shop for the perfect party dress that you may wear once or twice, consider looking through your wardrobe and finding a more cost effective alternative. It is actually a very popular trend right now to transform old dresses into something new and fashionable by taking the dress r outfit to a seamstress or tailor and adding sashes, changing the hem line and neck line, and using accessories. A simple change like wearing your hair differently, changing your shoes, or switching out a jacket can really change your look. This way you do not have to spend hundreds if not thousands to look you best at each one of your holiday parties.
Have a budget
Christmas time should not come as a financial shock to anyone. Just as with any expense, if you know when it is coming you should be preparing for it. Saving a little money each month and establishing a budget where a certain amount is put away for the holidays every month not only teaches you important lessons about discipline, but also allows you to know exactly what budget you have to stick to when it comes time to actually buy those gifts.
Shop around for the sales
The holidays are the times when retail stores make the largest percentage of their total yearly earnings. They work hard to give you a good deal so that you will spend your money at their store. Use this marketing rush to your advantage by shopping around for where the deals will be. If you can be patient and at least wait for your more expensive purchases to go on sale, you will not be sorry. Many businesses are also so desperate to get as much business as possible that they will price match their products to their competitors price. Just make sure that you go to the store with evidence that shows you could go somewhere else to get the deal.
Recycle decorations
Although artificial trees and wreaths do not always have a good reputation, they are certainly more friendly to your pocketbook. You can find a good artificial Christmas tree that will last for 10, 15 or even 20 years, for less than or around $100. Sure it may not smell as nice, but with all of the money that you will be saving you can certainly afford to buy an air freshener instead.
