Americans spend on average nearly $1500 each during the holidays according to the CNBC Money Reporter Cheyenne DeVon. with the rising prices of items and low pay, most people experience a big crunch in their finances. I know this because few years ago, I was one of those Americans who over spent only to later regret it.
After closely monitoring my Christmas shopping, I came up with a few solutions that only didn't just save me money, but it allowed me to provide the best present that I could give to my loved ones.
Please keep in mind that what worked for me might not work for everyone, however, you are free to give at list one of these tips a try.
However, before sharing my saving secret, I want to share 4 MUSTs with you first to make your planning more effective:
-
Know who you are hoping to gift
Before going on your Christmas shopping spree, it is important to consider making a list that will allow you to know who will be receiving the gifts or who wouldn't. Keep in mind that in order to succeed in this step, you're gonna have to avoid adding names on people you didn't plan on gifting.
-
Make a list from priority to non-priority
After making a list of people you want to give, it now important to prioritize. Ask yourself "who are the people closest to my heart?", then start by writing their names first. This will help think of those that are important to you and those that aren't. Sometimes after making a priority list, I find myself reducing the number of people I want to gift. Only because I realized that maybe gifting them wasn't so important after all. With this step, not only you're saving money, but you're also giving to the people closest to your heart something they'll love and use for a lifetime, and avoiding spending a fortune on people who most definitely won't use the gift (Those are usually your far away relatives or people you talk to only once or twice a year (Texts don't count. People closest to you will call you or visit you without asking for anything in return)).
-
Know what they want
When you finally figure out who you want to bless this Christmas and have made your list from priority to the least, consider knowing what the people in your top priority list wants, and do this at your earliest convenience. Doing this will allow you to give the best gifts to the people closest to you and those who mean the most to you first before others. Remember, know who you want to please.
-
Be willing to say no, not this year, or take a much cheaper alternative.
Saying NO can be one of the most freeing things anyone can do for themselves which unfortunately does not come easily. I know that we all can feel the urge to want to please everyone, this may come from the need to look good and the fear of looking cheap, especially when there’s a competition in the family. But here’s a little secret I learned from experience that will save you from throwing money in the toilet. People don’t use gifts given to them by their aunts or uncles, grandparents, or even nieces. The only gifts they’re going to use is their spouses or parents (if they’re not married or are too young to be married and are still living with parents). Your gifts, well, it’ll end up some where in there closet or storage unit. So, don’t waist your money.
However, if the idea of not giving you a gift is important to you, then don’t worry, we have an alternative for you. Buy them anything you would give to your co-workers on secret Santa day. Meaning, earrings, gift cards, Key chain, scented candles, greeting cards, cheap box of chocolate or anything under $20.
Trust me, you'll thank me!
After doing these 4 MUSTs planning, you will be able to save more and spend more effectively. And that's after you continue to read my saving tips below: Shall we?
Did you know that IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO BEGIN YOUR SHOPPING?
Most people, unfortunately makes the mistakes of waiting until the last minute, aka Black-Friday, to start shopping. Don’t get me wrong, black Friday is one of the greatest ways to save money of gifts for the holiday seasons, but it is definitely not the only way or even the best way. Here’s why, when you shop on Black Friday, you'll be most likely spending a chunk of money all at once leaving you with little, and possibility little to pay rent since the Black Friday sales usually happens around the end of the month. That's why, I have a few secrets to share with you that will save you money, take the stress away, and leaving you to buy the gifts that you loved ones will actually love and use for years.
1. Subscribe, Subscribe, Subscribe....
You never know what's on sale unless you subscribe to receive Newsletters. Businesses want you as their customers and what better ways than to temporarily lower the cost to help you purchase? When you subscribe to your favorite or your loved one favorite stores, you'll be more likely to be informed about their latest sales or even clearances. This alone can help save you up to 90% on new and expensive products.
Check out our store and subscribe to our newsletters so you miss a savings opportunity. Also follow us on social media using the social media icons in the footer.
2. Take Advantage of the "buy now and pay later" Program
Did you know that nowadays, most store can let you buy your items now and pay later with little to no interest fees? This method may not save you as much as when you choose to buy little over the years with seasonal sales and clearances, but is a great choice to have if you are a late shopper who doesn't want to spending too much at once.
Please keep in mind that some stores would ask you for a percentage down and will require that you fill out an application which can be lengthy.
Our store can help you buy now and pay later through our Shop Pay App with 4-interest-free payments plan every 2 weeks on orders over $50. You can also enjoy our Fast Free Shipping if you live in the USA.
3. Start a layaway Program
The layaway program is similar to the buy now pay later program, only you will not take your items home until they are all fully paid. An interest-free payment plan is usually set out for you so you can buy whatever you want without having to staying broke after the holidays. Some stores may set a limit of up to 6 months payment plans and others may not have the payment plan limit.
You can also easily add more products in your layaway if you choose to just be sure that you can pay them all off in time enough for the holidays. Stores like Walmart or Burlington does offer a layaway program from the month of October all the way until January 1. So, the earlier you shop the better!
Keep in mind again that a layaway program would require you to pay a percentage of the total of your purchase.
Finally,
I hope you found this post to be helpful. Please comment down below if you have a holiday saving tips you would want to share, or tell us how this post was able to help you save.
Also, don't forget to click on the logo to see our what our store has to offer, subscribe, and follow us on social media.
Until next time,
Have a blessed day!
Rachel Francoise
