How to Reduce Your Holiday Spending
Sometimes we find ourselves paying off last year's Christmas presents when the new holiday season is upon us. With a little planning, you can reduce or eliminate that after-Christmas debt.
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Instructions
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Decide how much money you can afford to spend (or want to spend) and write it down. Stick to it.
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Pay cash, and avoid using your credit cards.
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Buy only one present per person, and maybe a few stocking stuffers.
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Buy only for those people you really care about. Send cards to the rest.
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Watch for before-Christmas sales. Not only will you save money, but your shopping will be done way ahead of time.
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Use your talents and make presents. Bake gingerbread and cookies, or craft your own ornaments. Give needlework, ceramics, framed photographs or craft items.
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Donate your time as a present. Offer to clean your sister's house, baby-sit your brother's kids for the weekend or give 10 free tennis lessons to your niece.
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If you are mailing packages - especially overseas - choose lightweight items that won't run up postage costs.
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Buy Christmas cards, decorations and wrapping paper right after Christmas. They are always on sale, usually for half price.
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Shop at after-Christmas sales for next year's gifts. The savings can sometimes be enormous.
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Comments
View all 6 Comments-
Rose2798
Jan 21, 2009
I like the homemade gifts. Sometimes a homemade gift is worth more than a $50 gift knowing that the person really put effort into their present. I'd also recommend, if possible, adding their name someone in or on the gift. ;) -
Rachel Moore
Dec 08, 2008
Good, practical tips.
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Rachel Moore
Dec 08, 2008
Good, practical tips.
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maharishi2
Dec 03, 2008
I like the point to only buy for the few people you care most about. I think a card is more than enough for those casual friends and distant relatives.
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Dec 15, 2005
I would say to reduce spending for Christmas to shop at the bargain stores, such as WalMart, the 99 Cent Store a (California based company) the Dollar Store and the Factory Outlet.
