Holiday shopping on a budget reduces stress. Stick to these eight items and enjoy the
holidays!
1. Make a shopping list
Write down the list of people you plan on buying gifts for.
Critically consider who should be on your gift list and don’t be afraid to
trim it. Start with your immediate family and close friends, and selectively
add to your list from there.
2. Set a spending limit
Figure out the total amount of money you want to spend on
presents, and divide it up among each person on your list. It’s
the thought that counts, not the price tag.
3. Pay in cash
The easiest way to not go into debt is to use cash to buy
gifts. You’ll be forced to stick to your budget. When you use a credit card, it
is easy to lose track of how much you’ve spent and on who.
4. Shop by yourself
If you shop alone, you’ll likely spend less money,
especially if you have friends with poor money habits. A shopping partner in
crime can distract you from your plan by convincing you to buy something
unplanned and unnecessary.
5. Tis the season to give, not buy
This is the season for giving, not receiving. If you find
something you can’t live without, add it to your wish list. If nobody buys it
for you, pick it up on sale after Holiday for yourself.
6. Shop for sales at discount stores
Check out the discount stores
where you can find discounted items and great deals. If you shop exclusively
online, remember Amazon may not always have the best price. Be sure to check
out eBay, Walmart, and specialty stores.
7. Wrap a lot
Some people love having many presents to open. If you are giving a Holiday gift that has
several parts to it – tools, an outfit, and kitchen utensils, – wrap up each
item individually. Your recipient will have more to unwrap and a fun time doing
it.
8. Buy a combined gift.
You can save money while still giving great gifts by giving
a slightly more expensive gift to two or more people instead of buying
individual gifts for every person.
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