Christmas is about to creep up on all of us the same, sleuths way Santa slides down our chimney. It’s a season for celebrating family and togetherness, but there’s always going to be presents involved. And the sad truth is that presents mean money. WiseDime is here to give you a head start on that hectic holiday shopping by giving you early tips on how to save.
The most important thing to do, per usual, is create a budget. This time around, however, it’s a bit easier to find that limit. Simply find your credit card statements from last December and try and match your allowance. That way, you know how much you need to save ahead of time and can put that budget into effect accordingly.
Next, start stockpiling gifts. Most of the year, we say “if it’s on sale and you don’t need it, don’t buy it.” During the holidays, however, this is the opposite. Snag any on-sale gift items you find because their price is bound to increase as the season draws nearer. Additionally, don’t be pressured into buying everyone everything. D-I-Y gifts are still all the rage for when it comes to family, so don’t be afraid to cut back that way as well.
Lastly, just like Elsa says, “let it go.” There are plenty of apps you can use to sell old equipment and furniture you no longer use so that you have extra spending money. OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace are just a few examples. And if that’s not enough, you could even pet sit for some extra cash. Do whatever it takes to not get swallowed by the snowstorm of expenses that come every Christmas.
