Christmas can be a pretty expensive time of year. With all the parties to plan, gifts to give and expenses to bear, you might find yourself looking at your January bank statement in dismay. Well here’s some good news: it is possible to enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank!
Be a savvy and disciplined shopper – it can help you cut the cost of your Christmas shopping considerably. Here are 4 ways to spend less (or save more) this season.
Compare prices
Be a smart shopper and know your prices. Shop around to see what’s on the market – you might be able to find similar stuff at lower prices. Regardless of whether you plan on shopping online or in brick-and-mortar stores, it pays to know your options.
Use social media
Another simple way to get your gifts at a discount is to follow your favourite retailers and shops on their social media platforms. Many retailers promote their festive discounts and special offers there; so don’t miss out! Taking that few minutes to sign up for updates could save you a whole lot of cash!
Make a plan
A sure-fire way to overspend during the festive season is to go shopping without making a plan. You’ll end up wandering around aimlessly and picking out the most expensive gifts. Take the time to plan your purchases and who/what you’re looking for – you’re more likely to get better presents with no buyer’s remorse!
Set a budget (and stick to it!)
Between family, friends and colleagues, you might find yourself buying more than a dozen gifts, with some big-ticket items for your loved ones. List down all your recipients and allocate specific budgets to each name; it will help you track your gift purchases and ensure your budget is kept to.
Undeniably, it’s easy to get caught up in the spending cycle during the holidays. It certainly doesn’t help that shopping malls and retailers with their marketing campaigns are geared toward making you open your wallet in the spirit of “giving”. However, just remember, if you have a plan in place and know how to stretch each dollar, you’ll be a happy shopper and gift-giver this Christmas!
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