Due to the present changes in the economy, many families are already beginning to worry about what the holiday season will bring. They know that the little ones will still be expecting Santa to come and surely HIS economy isn’t suffering, right? We don’t want to see disappointment cloud the eyes of the children that we love so dearly, but we also know that we are working with rather limited resources in this time of financial strain and struggle.
If this sounds like a familiar thought process to you, there is good news. There are many ways that you can make your holiday dollar go further than you may have in years past when there were fewer worries. The following tips can help you to bring those smiles that you love to see on their faces on Christmas morning without breaking the bank…yours or Santa’s.
*Shop throughout the year rather than doing it right before the big day arrives. This will give you the opportunity to get the best deals possible. There are Labor Day sales, Memorial Day sales, President’s Day sales, and don’t forget the infamous Black Friday sale. If you are shopping for electronics or other higher priced items, this day after Thanksgiving sale can save you substantial amounts, but you have to get there before the crack of dawn to get the best items. Even stocking stuffers should be purchased as you see them come on sale as the year goes by.
*Do as much of your shopping as possible online. You can find amazing deals at sites such as, www.ebay.com, www.amazon.com, and www.overstock.com that you would never find in the stores. It is also easier to buy only what you are seeking to when there aren’t aisles full of displays taunting you and daring you to put them in your cart. You can also find many coupons online and even coupon codes for various websites.
*Wise spending during the holidays should always start with a list and a budget. Write down the people that you are going to buy gifts for and what you will be shopping for. Also, be sure to include the amount that you are able to spend on each of these people and stick to it. Don’t even enter a store without your list in hand. This is just asking for overspending.
Shopping wisely during the holiday season will help you to avoid going into debt and overspending. You will be able to enjoy the spirit of the holiday, rather than worrying about how you are going to catch up your finances and pay off the bills once it’s all over. So, make your list, develop a budget, go online and shop throughout the year to make your dollars stretch as far as possible this holiday season.