Plan for Holiday Shopping on a Budget
Christmas and New Year's Eve are two prime celebrations in which a lot of shopping is the norm. But there are ways to enjoy the holiday season without going into debt.
Instructions
Plan to Shop for the Holidays
1. Review the previous year's expenditures. Examine every purchase made for the holidays. Decide which items where frivolous and unnecessary. Delete those gifts, costumes or decoration items from this year's list.
2. Make a gift list. Determine who will receive a present this year. Next to each name, write a specific amount that you will spend on this person. Attempt to reduce the amount you spent last year by 50 percent.
3. Create a firm budget. Combine all of your holiday shopping expenditures: food, clothing, gifts, wrapping paper, bows and cards. together on one list. Write a dollar amount next to each item to create a total holiday shopping budget. Once you've decided your spending limit, do not increase it under any circumstances.
4. Make a plan to use cash for all purchases. One way to curb any additional spending is to not use your credit cards. By paying for all holiday expenditures in cash, you'll stick to your budget during the holidays.
5. Do not apply for any new store credit cards. As tempting as store credit may be, it will destroy your holiday budget fast. Tell the cashier "No, thanks'" when asked if you would like to save 15 percent on your holiday purchases with a credit card.
Shop and Save during the Holidays
6. Clip coupons. The holidays are the best time to shop for bargains. Local newspapers are filled with coupons advertising in-store deals. Take advantage of Sunday paper coupons to save big during the holidays.
7. Use gift cards. Gift cards are extremely popular gifts that often go unused. Make plans to spend your gift cards to buy presents and holiday items to reduce your holiday budget.
8. Buy in bulk. Purchase large quantities of candy, wrapping paper and seasonal items at warehouse-based shopping emporiums. Shop at membership-only superstores to stretch your holiday budget beyond your weekly purchases.
9. Shop at dollar stores. Discounted consumer goods are plentiful at off-price retailers. During the holiday season, you can find deals on party goods, decorations and small gifts at rock-bottom prices.
10. Buy holiday items off-season. Purchase your Christmas ornaments in April. Buy Easter baskets in September. Buy holiday items the day after the celebration. Prices are normally 70 percent off or more because retailers are trying to clear their shelves for new merchandise.
