Money-Saving Tips for the Festive Season
Christmas is without a doubt the best time of year for a lot of people. Unfortunately, amid all the merriment of spending time with loved ones, eating delicious, festive foods and giving (and receiving) delightful presents, it has become increasingly easy to accumulate a heap of debt that can result in a very unpleasant start to the New Year. Last year, American racked up an average of $1,054 of debt during the festive season according to a feature published by CNBC. Fortunately, there is no need to start 2019 with a mixture of dread and regret. By following a few basic money-saving guidelines you can approach the festive season with confidence, without the worry of incurring any ruinous debt.
Get couponing
Coupons can help you save a nice amount of money when doing your Christmas shopping. Browse the internet for coupons you can use, whether for online purchases or at physical stores. If you are lucky, you may end up finding coupons for just about all your Christmas purchases, including a freebie or two that are generally thrown in over Christmas. Many department stores, such as Walmart, have their own range of festive vouchers and coupons that can be used to get superb discounts on some of the season’s most sought-after items.
Make use of (but don’t abuse) your credit card
Having a low-interest card at your disposal over the festive season can be a life-saver. Even if you do start saving hard, you may still require the extra financial boost that a credit card can offer. Depending on the credit card you are using, you may be eligible for instant cashback that will give you a percentage (typically 5%) of your purchase back. Some financial institutions also offer a range of rewards to their clients over the festive season that will enable you to qualify for various gifts and discounts that can help make your Christmas more memorable.
Brave the Black Friday sales
If you pride yourself on your inherent bravery, and are adamant to find the best specials under the sun this festive season, you may want to brave the annual Black Friday sales. With some retailers offering discounts of as much as 90% it may be worth your while to head to the shops first thing in the morning to ensure you can get your hands on some of the items on your shopping list before they sell out. If you aren’t quite courageous enough to fight your way through the masses of shoppers, you can take advantage of the countless Black Friday sales items offered by online stores including Amazon and eBay.
With Christmas around the corner now is as good a time as any to put up your tree, finalize your shopping list and plan a great day spent with your loved ones. As important as gifting has become it is important to remember the true reason for the season and cherish (and appreciate) every moment spent with those you love most.
Submitted By Tracy-Ann Malcolm
