How To Keep From Going Broke Over The Holidays
It’s the time of year when we have to empty our bank accounts in the name of giving! So how do you get everything you need to while saving up at…
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 21: Food 4 Less grocery store general clerk Xochil Montenegro hands out a free reusable shopping bag, supplied by the California Grocers Association (CGA) and the City of Los Angeles, to a customer in observance of Earth Day, on the eve of Earth Day, April 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. During the two-day program, 50,000 bags are being handed out at about 40 grocery stores to encourage consumers to use reusable bags instead of disposable plastic or paper bags. The use of reusable bag has increased since a statewide plastic bag recycling law was enacted in July 2007 requiring grocers to provide in-store plastic bag recycling and to sell reusable shopping bags. Some communities have banned disposable plastic grocery bags. The free bags provided by the CGA and the city are made of 100% recycled water, soda and food containers. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
(Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)It’s the time of year when we have to empty our bank accounts in the name of giving! So how do you get everything you need to while saving up at the same time?
It can be really difficult to get all of your Christmas shopping done without breaking the bank. It can be even harder to recover from the dent after the holidays are over. Here's some ways to help not break your bank!
- Save up starting early - It might be a little late for this step, but if you keep the holidays in mind every year as you save, you won’t have to worry so much about it.
- Make a list and stick to it - Make a list of the things you need to get, and don’t get ANYTHING else that’s not on the list!
- Consider cashing in credit card points - If you’ve been racking up your credit card points, maybe it’s time you use some of them to get more cash.
- Stock up on stocking stuffers - Stocking stuffers are a great and inexpensive way to give gifts.
- DIY some of your gifts - If you make a lot of your gifts, you won’t have to worry about buying expensive items.
- Secondhand shopping can be good too - If you’re in the market for something specific, consider getting it pre-owned.
- Set yourself up for the new year - Look into your bills and see if there’s something you can do to get the numbers a little lower. Think about your next year’s finances and prepare!
Hopefully these help, so you can treat yourself a little after buying for everyone else!
