10 Creative Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

If you’re like the rest of us, you probably just spent more than you meant to during those tricky Black Friday sales. If your budget is in need of some love and attention, here’s a few smart ways to get things back on track. Saving money during the holidays can be tough since it’s the time of year when people spend a lot and deals are everywhere. However, no matter what you celebrate during the holiday season, remember first and foremost that it’s the best time of year to spend time with your loved ones. Here are some creative ways to save money during the holidays.

Set a holiday spending budget

The reason that things can get out of control during the holidays is because you start spending like crazy and take no thought for the aftermath. Instead of buying things just because they’re on sale, work to create a holiday budget. This could include setting an amount to spend on gifts and presents and once the money is gone, don’t buy anything else.

You could also decide to pay for holidays items only with cash and once your cash allotment is gone, your holiday shopping is over.

Go on a trip during the holidays

It might seem counter-intuitive because vacations can be expensive, but this is the best time of year to go on a vacation. Travel destinations are eager to get paying guests and are willing to offer highly discounted rates. Plus, your travel destination is likely to be way less crowded than usual, giving you easy access to everything you want to do.

Make a list

A great way to ensure that you don’t spend money on more than what you need to, be sure to make a detailed list of items you need to buy. Make sure to compare prices at several different places before buying on impulse. Also -- don’t forget about yourself. You’ll spend less overall if you treat yourself to something special.

Get married or shop for weddings during the holidays

Most don’t think of the holidays as an ideal time to get married, thus many vendors and locations will have low prices. If you can swing getting married during this time of year, you’ll save a lot of money. If you know that you are getting married or having friends getting married in the next year, try to buy weddings gifts during holiday sales--it will save you money down the road.

Get crafty by making gifts instead of buying them

For many people, a homemade gift is more meaningful than something bought from a store. Think of easy and inexpensive ways to give a gift, whether it’s by baking treats, sending a homemade card, painting a picture, or sewing something together. Use your unique talents to create something beautiful that will be treasured for a long time.

Give your kids a toy limit

Finally, even if your kids are still big fans of Santa Claus, don’t let them think they will get every single item on their page-long list. Tell them that Santa will bring a gift or two and mom and dad will give a few more--but certainly not anything too extravagant. The holidays can be a special time of giving and receiving gifts without getting out of hand.

It’s the most wonderful time of year--to spend money. Try and stay on top of your finances by setting a budget, paying with cash, and limiting yourself. Try to buy items that will be much more expensive during other times of the year. Don’t forget to treat yourself too-- you deserve it. If you need help sticking to a holiday budget let the pros at Carolina Money Minders lend you a helping hand. We can help you reach your financial goals with ease!