6 Effective Ways to Save Money Around the Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… until you look at your bank account balance. It may seem as though over-spending in December is a necessary evil in order to make the season as memorable and festive as possible, but that’s simply not the case.

The following are six ways to save money this holiday season.

1. Start Saving Now

It’s mid-November, but it’s still a few weeks away from the holidays. Scrutinize your non-essential saving for the next month and squirrel away whatever isn’t dedicated to food, bills, car payments, etc. You might just be surprised at what you’re able to amass and dedicate to your Christmas shopping.

Next year, make it a point to plan much further in advance so that you can put away a little each month and have plenty by the time the holidays roll around. That way, you won’t have to worry about where the money comes from and add any unnecessary holiday stress.

2. Build Your Budget — and Stick to It

It might seem obvious, but some people simply do not take time to draw up a Christmastime budget.

This is most important in regards to your holiday shopping. First, list all of the people for whom you want to buy presents. Then, cap your spending for each person next to his or her name. Tally up the total and decide whether or not it’s a reasonable target. You don’t want to be a slave to your bills post-holiday, but you don’t want to be defeated by a budget that’s too small from the get-go.

If you come up with a Christmas shopping list ahead of time it will help you save time as you shop, too. No longer will you be wandering aimlessly through the aisles or trying to remember who’s left on your list. Instead: names, budget, boom.

3. Go for Gift-Giving Games

Those of us with lots of family members or friends might find it impossible to budget for gifts to suit every single one of them. That’s where a gift-giving game comes in: simply find one that allows everyone to bring just one item that’ll go to one other party attendee. Everyone will leave the party with a gift and a memory of how they earned it. Seriously, lots of these party games are really, really fun.

4. Plan Feasts in Advance, Too

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day call for fancy meals, but it’s up to you to make them as budget conscious as possible. Figure out just how much of each ingredient you need and buy the bare minimum; find a supermarket like Whole Foods where you can measure out and buy just as much of a spice that you need so that you’re not busting your budget for a teaspoon.

You should also feel completely okay with asking your guests to bring along an appetizer, side dish or dessert so that everyone contributes to the meal. It’ll save you a few bucks, and we promise your family and friends will only want to help you as you host a festive meal.

5. Buy Some Gifts Second-Hand

This is an especially good idea if you’re children are growing in and out of toys faster than you can keep up. Chances are, another parent with kids just a bit older than yours is selling the must-haves for your kiddo on a site like eBay. And, if you’re feeling extremely industrious this Christmas, you can sell your children’s outgrown toys to make up for some of your spending, too.

6. Cut Out Unnecessary Traditions

Simply put: if you don’t like doing something, don’t do it anymore. Take, for example, the annual sending of Christmas cards. Some people really do enjoy writing personalized notes, stuffing envelopes and licking stamps, but if you’re not one of them, don’t join in. You’ll save yourself money and a bit of stress that inevitably comes with the season, regardless of the fact that it’s such a joyous time of year.

You’ll be surprised at just how much a bit of foresight can help you as you head into gift-buying, party-going and dinner-throwing. Pick the ones most relevant to your holiday plans and voila: your wallet will be plumper and you’ll probably find yourself a whole lot happier and more relaxed come December.
About the Author: Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.” Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Follow on Twitter , Pinterest , Instagram

 

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