With all of the craziness and energy that the holidays bring, most people find that they are spending more without keeping track of what they are actually spending. This can lead to consequences such as being in debt or high credit card payments that will haunt you all year long.
Just because it’s the holidays and is supposed to be the “season of giving” doesn’t mean that you can just spend whatever you like without being responsible. A lot of people have this attitude of it is just once a year, so what does it matter.
The trouble with this kind of thinking is that it leads to a horrible financial future and will hurt you badly in the long run. The solution is to give gifts that mean a lot without having to spend a ton of money and going into debt. This article offers three tips on how you can save money and still be a generous person this holiday season.
- Tip #1 – Create a budget and plan on sticking to it.
Most people have no problem at all with coming up with a budget that would seem to work. Their problem comes with sticking to it. So why go to the trouble of creating a budget if you simply don’t follow the rules that you have set forth for your money? Creating a budget is the most important thing you can do for your financial security. Making a budget based on what you can afford to spend on gifts and sticking to it offers concrete solutions to the problem of going into debt.
- Tip #2 – Save money by living frugally and giving personalized gifts.
Everyone wants to be able to give huge, lavish gifts to those they love. Unfortunately, not all of us are in the position financially to be able to live that way. The trick is to live within your means in all aspects of your life. Budget your rent, your utilities, your food and your other various bills. What’s left can either be saved up or spent on things like holiday gifts. Either way, you’re not going into debt over a holiday gift. Another way to save money is to buy cheaper, more personalized gifts. Your friends and family will probably be happier knowing that they were thought of and that you put a lot of thought into their gift.
- Tip #3 – Comparison shop for a good deal on gifts.
Shopping around and looking for great deals doesn’t mean you’re just a cheapskate. Most successful people get that way because they look for ways to make their money go further. By comparison shopping online beforehand, you will know which items sell at higher prices than others.
You don’t have to try and find only the best prices at the brick and mortar shops. Saving money can be as simple as looking for deals online and ordering through a reputable online retailer. Good deals can be found in local thrift shops and consignment stores as well, leading to great gifts at affordable prices.
The holidays are crazy for a reason. You can enjoy all of the hustle and bustle with your family without going into debt for the whole next year. Just get that budget started and stick to a practical plan. It’s really that simple.
These money saving tips have been brought to you by the SellCell.com editorial team, who enjoy helping people find ways of making money and saving money in the run up to the festive season.
