5 Tips for Stretching Your Holiday Budget

With the holiday season approaching fast it is important for to know how to get the most out of your holiday budget. You might think it isn’t possible to stretch your holiday budget without pulling out the credit card, but really, it comes down to choices. To help you out, we have compiled a few tips for stretching your holiday budget for the upcoming season of joy.

1. List Everything You Need to Purchase

The first thing you are going to have to do before you can even come up with a budget is to see what expenses you are going to have holiday wise. This means list out all of the gifts that you hope to buy and even include things such as wrapping paper and tape because they cost money as well. Also, you are going to want to include a Christmas tree, lights, outside decorations, and food if this is something that you are going to be responsible.

2. Shop Online

If you were planning to purchase everything in the store think again. This is because during the holiday season many stores have sales online that cannot be found in the store. If you are worried about shipping that is something that is usually going to be free if you spend a certain amount, say $50. However, if you plan to shop online you will want to order your items a few weeks in advance so you can be sure they are going to arrive before you need them. Also, when shopping online you can guarantee that you are going to get what you want versus going to the store to find out that they have already sold out of the products that you need.

3. Don’t Be Afraid To Say ‘No’

Obviously, during the holiday seasons we want to give our friends and family what they have their heart set on. But, when it comes to really expensive items that we cannot afford it is okay to say no. Simply ask them to give you a list of items that they would like and pick something affordable. This way they will have a gift to look forward to that was also within your budget.

4. Use Coupons to Save on Your Holiday Budget

Coupons are available throughout the web for a variety of different products. If you are shopping online, sites such as Retail Me Not may be able to help you out immensely. You should check out your local papers for deals as well.

5. Make Some of the Gifts

If you have a friend or family member who is not too picky about the type of present you get them, or you are particularly gifted in using your skills to create things, simply make them a gift. Homemade gifts are still in. They are not only fun to create, but they show the person that you are making them for that you actually spent some time and put some thought into their gift.

Lastly, when it comes to stretching your holiday budget the best thing to do is to plan ahead.  If you see something that someone would like during the summer months buy it for them and just save it in storage until the holiday season comes around.

Author Bio: Izzy Mackey works for Obares a financial information website.

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One Response to 5 Tips for Stretching Your Holiday Budget

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