November 17, 2019 2 min to read
9 Christmas shopping tips for people who are on a budget
Category : Lifestyle, Shopping
The season for non-stopping shop is on its way! For some people, the holidays are a great time to spoil loved ones. However, all that shopping can cause a strain on our bank accounts.
The average consumer is expected to spend $1,047.83 this holiday season. That’s a 4% increase from last year.
Instead of overspending, make a plan this year. With these nine Christmas shopping tips, you can still spoil your loved ones while maintaining your budget. Ready to shop into the holiday season?
Here are the nine tips you need for smarter holiday spending.
1. Make a List (and Check it Twice)
To start, take a hint from old Saint Nick!
Write down a list of the people you’re buying gifts for this year. Then, brainstorm a few gift ideas for each person on your list.
From there, start trimming it down. Head online to determine the average price for each gift. These prices can help you narrow down the list.
Instead of buying everything on your list, consider your budget.
In some cases, it’s easier to cut out the most expensive items on the list. Instead of one expensive gift, go for a few smaller ones.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list (and checked it twice), calculate how much the items would cost altogether. Are you over-budget?
Drafting a list before you start shopping can help you avoid overspending.
2. Set a Limit
Determine how much you want to spend, in all, this holiday.
Then, divide it up by the people on your list.
In some cases, you won’t spend the same amount on every person. For example, you’ll probably spend more on a spouse than on a niece or nephew.
Calculating your Christmas shopping budget this way can help you strategize before you start spending.
3. Keep it All Cash
Once you’ve determined your budget, stick to it! The best way to shop for Christmas on a budget is to use cash instead of cards. This way, you can see the cash physically disappear as you spend.
Take your overall budget, then divide it based on your per-person budget in the above step. Put money in an envelope for each person.
This tactic can help you stick to your Christmas shopping budget.
4. Shop Alone
Friends with poor spending habits or children who request impulse buys can ruin your plans. After all, it’s easy for someone else to spend your money…
Continue reading the article and learn more about Christmas shopping on LifeIsAnEpisode.com.