Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
From gifts to travel plans and grocery shopping, costs can add up and become overwhelming during the holiday season, especially in a tough economic climate.
That’s why it’s important to stick to a budget and avoid getting into debt, according to shopping expert Trai Boz.
“I’m really pushing for this Shopkeepers Look for ways to save as much as possible this season. So we won’t bring that debt into the next year,” Boz said.
Here are some expert recommendations for making the most of your budget this holiday season:
Plan and shop your gift list
Planning your gifts as far in advance as possible can be a great way to save money, as it gives you more time to compare and shop, said social media content creator Kirsty Torok. Instagram And tiktok Torok as the Coupon Hunter.
Torok plans her purchases months in advance. She buys chocolates and candies for her children Christmas Stockings right after Halloween, when they are on sale. And it’s never too early to think about next year – her Christmas decorations are always bought on clearance, especially after Christmas.
“If you wait until two, maybe three days after Christmas, things will start going up to 75% off. And that’s when I shop for my kid’s birthdays, because they’re in July,” Torok said.
compare prices
When you’re looking to buy a gift, Boz recommends comparing prices with other stores, looking for coupons, and signing up for emails from your favorite stores. This way, you can buy the item when it is at its lowest price.
“I’m always looking for a coupon code so I can save a certain percentage off. Or I can earn cashback or get free shipping offers. I really believe in those tools and use them every time I shop,” Boz said.
To find deals more easily, Bauz recommends installing a browser extension on your computer. Some of his favorites are PayPal Honey and Rakuten.
Recently, Boz has also noted the increasing use of artificial intelligence to find both holiday gift ideas and sales. However, AI search engines aren’t very good at finding the latest deals, he said. Bauz recommends that you look for deals on the store’s website or on sites like RetailMeNot.
If you can’t find an item on sale, find a coupon, or wait to see if you can get it cheaper elsewhere.
Save on Groceries Using Coupons
If you’re the host of your family’s holiday celebration, you may be rushing between going to the grocery store, cooking a big meal, and decorating your home. But, it’s best if you don’t let the holiday rush distract you from saving on groceries. Coupons are a great way to reduce costs so you can keep your meals on budget, and possibly use that money for other expenses. Most grocery stores offer coupons either in paper form, on their website, or in their apps.
According to Torok, couponing may take time, but the tradeoff can save hundreds of dollars on groceries. If you’re trying couponing for the first time, she recommends taking small steps.
“If you want to save money and you’ve never couponed before, my biggest advice is to pick your favorite store you’re most comfortable with and download their app,” Torok said.
Once you feel comfortable using coupons with your favorite stores, Torok recommends that you start comparing prices with other stores near you. This way you can shop for the best deals and save money.
If you want to maximize your savings, she also recommends taking advantage of websites that give you cash back on grocery shopping. Examples include Top Cash Back and Ibotta.
Buy in bulk and keep groceries in stock
When preparing your big holiday meal, a useful strategy for saving is to buy in bulk and then freeze it for when you need it, grocery shopping expert Ellie Powell recommends.
“Anything that you can stock up on and freeze at a (low) cost, then take it out of the freezer to use later, would be so beneficial. It’s something I try to do year-round,” said Powell, who hosts a blog called Grocery Getting Girl and Instagram A page dedicated to budget-friendly grocery shopping.
Large grocery stores typically offer sales around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, Powell said, and this can be a perfect opportunity to buy in bulk and put it away for another time.
Beware of Store Credit Cards and Buy Now, Pay Later
Proceed with caution when it comes to getting a store credit card or making purchases using buy now, pay later. If you’re shopping in person this holiday season, you’ll probably be offered a store credit card at checkout, often paired with a big discount on your current purchase.
Boz recommends that you only get a store credit card if you know you can pay it off in full each month and you have good credit card habits.
“If there is a retailer with whom you shop regularly and you are responsible with your credit card, opening a credit card can be very beneficial,” Boz said.
If you decide to purchase a store credit card, it is important to know how much interest will be charged. Like traditional credit cards, store credit cards also affect your credit score.
Similarly, making purchases using Buy Now, Pay Later is recommended only if you are sure that you are able to make all the payments on time. Buy now, pay later loans were not previously reported to the three major credit reporting bureaus, but consumers will soon see what impact they have on their FICO credit scores.
When it comes to travel, flexibility pays
A common mistake when planning a trip is not allowing yourself much flexibility with your flights, said Kyle Potter, editor of the travel and flight deals website Thrifty Traveler. To save money on your travel, book the flights first and then book the rest of the accommodation, this way you can give yourself as much flexibility as possible with the dates of your flights.
“Start with earlier flights, as this gives you the freedom to move your travel dates forward even by just a day. Especially on holidays“Potter said.
Potter recommends that you track prices on Google Flights and set alarms for flights.