Would you believe that the holiday season is fast approaching? We are in October and the HOLIDAYS ARE COMING…FAST! Their will be lots of fun, shopping, traveling, parties, eating, gifts giving, and in general, a lot of holiday spending in-between but it can be very stressful! It is important to start budgeting and saving for the holidays early, especially if you do not want to get overwhelmed with last minute money stress and end up overspending! Before you get overwhelmed, make sure you know how to plan and save for the holidays on a tight budget.
IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW….BLACK FRIDAY!
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AND THEN…CHRISTMAS DAY!
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In the past, Christmas is one of those times of year that we normally throw caution to the wind and just blow our budget regardless of the consequences. But this year we’ve made some adjustments to that thinking, and we are setting up a budget in advance for how much we’ll spend on the holidays. We’ve even started to save up the money to pay for those gifts so we won’t have to put some of the gifts on the credit card as in years past.
The stats show that about 77% of shoppers go over the budget they set for the holidays. To remain debt-free, you also need to stick to your budget..and this is hard for us, but this year we are going to try hard!
Here are some tips that will make for an enjoyable and debt-free holiday season this year:
*Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.*
CREATE A HOLIDAY BUDGET
Write down your shopping list and ensure you include the cost of gifts, food, drinks, travel, decorations, greeting cards, postage stamps, charitable giving, etc. Calculate how much money you need to match your planned spending.
Take a look at how much you already have to spend on your holiday budget and how much extra you need to save up. Is your budget achievable? Reasonable? Do you need to cut out some “fluff” to make your budget realistic? Adjust your budget as required and take note of your spending limit.
After you have arrived at a number, it is advisable to add in some extra room for unplanned expenses that may come up.
START SAVING EARLY
Now that you have a budget, it is time to build up your holiday fund. If you start saving early, you can watch the money grow effortlessly and be available when you need it.
Be practical. The best time to start saving towards the holidays is January. However, if you have waited until now, there is still hope. If your holiday spending budget is $1,200 and you have 90 days or roughly 3 months to reach it, it means you need to save an average of $100 per week or $400 per month to reach your goal.
To make your money go the distance, consider saving your holiday fund using a high-interest savings account like Tangerine and EQ Bank (Canadians) or Ally Bank and Synchrony Bank (U.S.). Most of these online banks also offer automatic savings plans.
For additional savings tips, check out the Free Monthly Budget Planner
MAKE EXTRA MONEY
In addition to savings, another way to reach your holiday spending goal without breaking the bank is to generate more income. Consider taking on an additional job or side gig. This may include pet-sitting, tutoring students online, selling used items, starting a blog, selling Christmas trees, becoming a mystery shopper, taking online paid surveys, etc.
Speaking of paid online surveys, here are some of the best-paid surveys you can do to earn money on the side:
Swagbucks: Earn by taking surveys, shopping online, playing games, browsing the web, referring friends, and more. You also get a $5 welcome bonus.
Opinion Outpost U.S:Make money by completing surveys, testing products, and referring friends.
Inbox Dollars(U.S.): Complete surveys, watch videos, and refer friends. You also get a $5 welcome bonus.
START SHOPPING EARLY
Do not wait until the last minute to start shopping for the best deals available and taking advantage of discounts. Some of the major sales events to look out for include Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can also find some other great deals before these Thanksgiving weekend sales!
Before making purchases, do some comparison-shopping online to confirm the best available price. Stick to your shopping list and tick off items once they are purchased. If you find it difficult to stay disciplined with using a credit card, consider paying for all gift items with cash.
Have you seen…Save money today: Try a No-Spend Day or Weekend
If you are planning to travel, book your flights and accommodations early. As the holidays draw closer, flight and hotel costs can increase rapidly. Use an app like Hopper to track airfare and hotel prices.
You should also take advantage of free shipping. Some online retailers offer free shipping to entice shoppers during the holiday period.
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SAVE MONEY WITH DIY
Allowing the creative side of you to flourish can save you money during the holidays. Some of your friends and family will appreciate a well thought out homemade gift. You can try out baked goods, handmade gift cards, soaps, jewellery, perfumes, candies, jams, to name a few. Save money by buying ingredients and/or arts and crafts in bulk.
Check out…Over 10 of the BEST DIY Fall Crafts to do at Home!
MAXIMIZE YOUR REWARDS
If you are using a credit card for your holiday shopping, ensure it is the one that offers good rewards. Rewards, either cash back or points, add up and can save you as much as 5% on your spending. In addition to credit card rewards, there are several other online loyalty programs/apps that pay you every time you shop. Some of the more popular ones include:
- Ebates U.S.: Get up to 40% in cash back. Receive a $10 (U.S.) or $5 (Canada) sign-up bonus.
- Paribus (U.S.): Get rewarded when shopping at 25+ major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Gap, Old Navy, and more.
SELL YOUR CLUTTER
The time before Christmas is a good period to get rid of your unwanted stuff. Clear out the clutter, free-up space, and make some money. Consider selling items via your local classified, Ebay, Craigslist, Kijiji (Canada), Etsy, Amazon, etc.
Do not carry the clutter and junk into the New Year. The money you raise from selling your clutter can go a long way in helping you reach your holiday fund target.
Check it out…The Ultimate Emergency Fund Guide!
KEEP IT SIMPLE
The holidays should be all about catching up with friends and family, taking some time out to reflect on the year and your future, and putting a smile on the face of others. Don’t let last minute shopping, gift-giving, and the need to impress sabotage your peace of mind.
If you are unable to meet your holiday spending fund target, don’t fret. Sometimes, giving people your undivided attention and time is more than enough. In the midst of it all the festivities, don’t forget to lend a hand to those in dire need, the hungry, homeless, and those in need of comfort…let me know what you think in the comments!
FREE 5 Day Kindness Challenge Today!
