The holiday season is quickly approaching! Before you know it, your schedule will be jam packed and your wallet a little lighter. The holiday season proves to be an expensive time of year, adding financial pressure to an already busy time. We want to help you plan wisely so that you can enjoy the holidays. Weâve put together a list of things to do so you can buy that perfect gift, throw your holiday party AND travel to visit the in-laws! Read on for helpful tips on how to budget for the holidays.
Set a budget and stick to it
A good way to start is by looking at your budget from last year. Decide where you might be able to make cuts or if you need to shift your priorities. Set a monetary amount aside for gifts, travel, parties and entertainment. Once you set this budget, stick to it! Donât let the pressure of the holidays stray you from when youâve set out; youâll thank yourself once those credit card bills start rolling in.
Shop smart
Expand your search and take advantage of shopping deals from SHOP.COM, free shipping on select orders and Cashback on purchases.  Take advantage of the ShopBuddy feature on SHOP.COM and let your ShopBuddy find the best deal for you! Visit each stores Hot Deals page for the best savings on gifts as stores start to roll out their holiday sales!
Trim your list
One way to cut down on spending is by trimming your shopping list. Gather a group of friends or family and plan out a gift swapping party like a secret Santa or while elephant. This way, the sincerity of purchasing gifts for you loved ones is still there, the cost is just cut. A gift-swapping party is a great way to spend time with those important to you and also help you save your budget.
Shop using your Cashback
Throughout the season, SHOP.COM will be offering several Extra Cashback Events! Pay attention to when these turn up and take advantage of the added savings. Start crossing items off your list during these events, earning extra Cashback and using the savings for the additional things on your holiday shopping list. With SHOP.COM Groceries, you can even start planning out your holiday meals and dishesâŚall while earning Cashback!
Make a shopping plan
If you start planning now, there is plenty of time to make a smart holiday plan and space out your spending to fit your budget each month. Certain stores will hold sales at different times so do your research and plan ahead, rather than impulse buying. If you âmap outâ your shopping plan from now through December, you will find the shopping experience much smoother than waiting until December 1st to even begin.
Travel wisely and plan ahead
Take the time to plan ahead. The demand of your social calendar from family, friends and work can get stressful. If you plan it out in advance you can forgo the last minute decision making which usually leads to impulsive spending! Plan ahead with Shop Travel on SHOP.COM, get some of the best deals on vacation deals and hotels AND earn Cashback. Use the extra cash towards other holiday expenses!
Share the entertaining expense
Rather than hosting every holiday party during the season, create a schedule with family and friends and implement a rotation. Instead of bearing the added expense of hosting each event, this will divvy up the cost. Encourage a potluck style so that everyone can help out and the cost doesnât just fall on the host of the party.
No matter what your budget looks like, donât forget to enjoy the holiday season! Donât let the financial pressure and stress take over. Make sure to add some time to relax and exercise. This will help you release stress, stay on track and enjoy the holidays!
Did we forget any helpful holiday tips? Share your ideas for holiday budgeting in comments below! Â
