For many, November 1st marks the beginning of the holiday season. Let’s face it — your favorite brands are already advertising the latest and greatest products to add to your cart this year! While holiday shopping is an exciting reason to pick out gifts for those you hold near and dear to your heart, stress on your wallet is an understandable reason for some mild concern.
Making a list of all of the presents you plan on purchasing is a necessary process for organizing your shopping trips, but celebrating the season without breaking the bank requires a bit of planning, too. Check out a few ways to spend thoughtfully with our holiday saving tips.
Create a Budget
So you made a list and checked it twice… Now it’s time to determine that budget to cover all of your shopping expenses. The first step to holiday budgeting is narrowing down an appropriate source of funds. Cash, debit, credit, or even a personal loan are all viable options. However, it’s important to make sure that you have enough to cover the expenses, or that you will be able to make payments on credit transactions or personal loans in a timely manner.
Compare Prices
Calling all coupon kings and queens! Your holiday shopping excursions begin way before you even hit the mall. By comparing prices on your gift list between retailers, you can stay within your budget and maybe even save enough to treat yourself.
Keep Your Receipts
We all have that one relative or friend who is so hard to shop for. No matter the gift, be sure to keep track of your receipts and gift receipts. A sweater that’s a size too small is easily returnable — as long as you have the receipt to back up your purchase. No one wants to spend money on a gift that will be stored in the attic come 2021!
Take Advantage of Mobile Banking
If you stick to a budget while shopping this year, your checking account balance shouldn’t present too many surprises. That being said, those additional transactions on top of weekly spending must be monitored. Check in on your balances with Discovery FCU’s Mobile Banking App to ensure that you’re on the right track. Visibility is key!
Don’t Dip into Your Savings
With the amount of shiny new toys and gadgets on the market now, it’s not hard to spend a few extra dollars on gifts here and there. But if holiday spending is causing you to damage your financial security, 2021 is going to feel less than jolly. Consider other ways to save up for your holiday shopping trips this year. This could include anything from dropping cash and coins in a jar to hitting pause on your weekly takeout order. A little can go a long way, and your saving habits should include short and long term goals!
Financial stability goes way beyond the holidays. Learn more about how you can save, spend, and manage your money with Discovery Federal Credit Union.