But have no fear, this guide is here to help you get your money's worth this holiday season. Follow these tips and tricks to make sure you're staying within your budget but also going all out this Christmas at the same time.
Set Up A Budget! First things first, in order to know what your spending limit is you have to set it. Make a list for all possible categories: gifts, decorations, Christmas tree/supplies, food, wrapping materials, etc! Think of everything you might need and set a limit you think you can stick to.
Do Some Research! The next step that comes after planning your budget is obviously to do some research. In order to make an accurate budget, you're going to have to know how much things cost. Make a list of the things you'll need and price check them. You can look online, via apps, or in weekly ads to find the most accurate prices. When you're researching look and see when specific items you need might be on sale. When you're doing research, always make sure to price match. Using the Google Shopping search option is the best tool for price matching for a specific item. Search the item you want, and Google does the rest! It will tell you which stores or online retailers have the item you want for cheapest. Nifty right?
Shop The Sales! The best way to shop smart and get a bang for your buck is to shop when the items you want and need are on sale. Sadly, not everything is always going to be on sale. But, odds are that some of the things you'll need will be on sale eventually. Michaels always has amazing Christmas clearance and sales throughout December. Currently, all decor, ornaments and any other Christmas supplies is 70% off! Plus they're always having daily door busters. Big stores like Target, Wal Mart, Kohls, and all those other department stores also have a lot of sales during this time of the year. Pay attention to their weekly ads so you don't miss out! If shopping online is more your style, make sure you sign up for Ebates. Ebates is a website that offers cash rebates back based on what websites you shop at. If you sign up and click on the links to any of the retailers listed on their website you'll get a percentage back of what you spent. Cool right? If you want to join Ebates, use my referral link here.
Utilize Coupons & Apps! Let's face it, couponing is a hassle. Who wants to spend hours clipping coupons from the newspaper or weekly mailers. Sometimes the coupons aren't even that great and don't save you that much money. But, utilizing specific store's apps and mobile coupons can help save you some time and a little bit of cash. Target's app, has Cartwheel, which is basically their own online coupon database. While websites like RetailMeNot will often post online promo codes and in store coupons online. Let's face it any little bit helps.
Check Out Discount Retailers! Discount stores are heaven sent for holiday shopping especially when you have designer dreams but you're budget isn't on the same level, yet. Stores like Marshalls, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning and Ross are great stores for looking for expensive style items without breaking your bank account. Even stores like Dollar Tree, 5 Below, Daiso, and even the 99 Cent Store have great affordable options for holiday decor and stocking stuffers.
Pinterest Hack It! No matter what grand idea you want to execute this year, be positive, it can be done! When in doubt, there's a DIY Pinterest hack for it. Pinterest has an infinite amount of tutorials and guides for crafts and DIYs you can do. Whether you're looking for a new easy recipe, or looking for some decor inspiration, Pinterest has it all.
Reuse & Recycle! Instead of throwing out decor and wrapping paper from last year, a big way to save some money is to reuse those items. Keep your gift bags from last year, especially if they're in good condition! You can use them to wrap up presents this year. However, saving torn up wrapping paper may not be as effective. You're better off just tossing those pieces in the blue bin unless you can find a way to upcycle them. Upcycling is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. There are plenty of guides online (especially on Pinterest) on how to upcyle during the holidays.
Christmas doesn't always have to be an expensive time, especially if you plan accordingly. If you follow these tips, you definitely will be ballin' on your budget this year!
Until tomorrow.
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