Want to learn how to save money during the holidays? It’s that time of year again—holiday gifts, parties, and food are on everyone’s mind! But with all the excitement comes a lot of extra spending. The average person spends about $1,000 on gifts alone, not to mention travel, events, and decorations. So, let’s talk about how to keep your holiday spending in check without losing the festive spirit. Plus, I’ll share some tips on making extra money during the holidays.
**How to Save Money During the Holidays:**
1. **Start with a Holiday Budget:**
The first step is to create a holiday budget. Figure out how much you can realistically spend. Consider costs for gifts, travel, food, postage, gift wrapping, and decorations. This will help you stick to a budget and avoid overspending.
2. **Give Fewer Gifts:**
Save time and money by giving fewer gifts. Focus on meaningful presents rather than quantity. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the number of gifts.
3. **Use Fetch Rewards:**
Fetch Rewards is a cash-back app that rewards you for purchases you’ve already made. Just scan your receipts from any store to earn points, which you can redeem for gift cards.
4. **Get Cash Back with Rakuten:**
Rakuten offers cash back for online shopping. Simply shop through their website at stores like Target, Walmart, and Nike, and earn money back on your purchases.
5. **Cut Back on Spending:**
Look at your daily expenses and see where you can cut back. Consider dining out less, finding cheaper alternatives for cable TV, switching to a more affordable cell phone plan, or canceling subscriptions temporarily.
6. **Do Secret Santa:**
Simplify gift-giving by organizing a Secret Santa exchange, where each person buys a gift for just one other person. This reduces the number of gifts you need to buy and can be a fun tradition.
7. **Shop Early:**
Start your holiday shopping as early as possible to avoid last-minute rushes and higher prices. Early shopping gives you more time to find deals.
8. **Use Credit Card Rewards:**
If you have travel rewards credit cards, use them for free hotel stays or flights. Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Freedom Unlimited offer great rewards.
9. **Save on Gift Wrapping:**
Reuse wrapping paper or get creative with alternatives like wrapping gifts in a blanket you’re also giving. This saves money and reduces waste.
10. **Buy Second-Hand:**
Thrift stores can be goldmines for holiday gifts. You can find clothes, books, toys, and home decor at a fraction of the cost.
11. **Celebrate with Experiences:**
Instead of giving physical gifts, consider giving experiences like ice skating, a cooking class, or a movie night. These create lasting memories without adding clutter.
12. **Donate to Charity:**
Donate to a charity in someone’s name. It’s a meaningful gift that can make a big impact. You can also donate your time to causes your loved ones care about.
13. **Give Your Time:**
Spend quality time with your loved ones. Simple activities like grabbing coffee or going for a walk can be more meaningful than material gifts.
14. **Find Free Holiday Activities:**
Many cities offer free holiday events like tree lighting ceremonies and parades. Check your local event calendar for fun, budget-friendly activities.
15. **Don’t Overextend Yourself:**
The holidays should be enjoyable, not stressful. Avoid overcommitting your time, energy, and money. Do what you can and what makes you happy.
16. **It’s Okay to Cut Ties:**
If certain relationships are strained, it’s okay to step back. Focus on spending time with people who make you feel good.
17. **Make Cards:**
Instead of buying expensive photo cards, make your own holiday cards. It’s a fun activity and can save you money.
18. **Give Handmade Gifts:**
Handmade gifts like cookies, photo magnets, or candles can be more personal and affordable. You don’t have to be super crafty to create something special.
19. **Return Unwanted Gifts:**
If you receive gifts you don’t want, it’s okay to return them. Use the money for something you actually need or want.
**Ways to Make Extra Holiday Cash:**
1. **Find a Seasonal Job:**
Many businesses hire seasonal workers during the holidays. Companies like UPS, USPS, and Michaels often have temporary positions available.
2. **Sell Items You Don’t Need:**
Look around your home for items you no longer use and sell them. You can sell through thrift stores, Craigslist, yard sales, Facebook, or eBay.
3. **Walk Dogs or Pet Sit:**
Many people travel during the holidays and need pet care. Offer your services to walk dogs or pet sit.
4. **Take Surveys:**
Earn extra money by taking online surveys. Sites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars pay you for your opinions.
5. **Find One-Time Gigs:**
Check Craigslist for one-time gigs like yard work, house cleaning, or moving help. These jobs often pay quickly.
6. **Become a House Sitter:**
Offer house sitting services for people traveling during the holidays. You may get paid or enjoy a free place to stay.
7. **Sell on Etsy:**
If you’re crafty, consider selling handmade items on Etsy. It’s a popular marketplace for unique, homemade gifts.
8. **Earn Rewards Online:**
Use Swagbucks to earn gift cards and cash for activities you already do online, like shopping and taking surveys.
**Conclusion:**
There are plenty of ways to save money during the holidays without sacrificing the joy and traditions of the season. From budgeting and cutting costs to making extra cash, these tips will help you manage your holiday expenses. Remember, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not going into debt. How much do you spend during the holidays, and what do you do to save money?