10 top tips to save at Christmas
November 20, 2008
10 top tips to save at Christmas
It’s the time of year again when everyone is starting to think about Christmas and what presents to buy for their friends and family. It is easy to get into debt and spend too much, but there are many ways to reduce your spending and still give your loved ones gorgeous presents such as fine jewellery and other special gifts.
1. If you see something special that would suit someone that you intend to buy a present for and it is on special offer and within your price bracket then buy it there and then, as it may not be on offer for long and when you decide to buy the item in a month’s time it could cost you a lot more.
2. Set yourself a price limit for each person and stick to it. It can be very tempting to keep buying things for people, but if you stick to your limit you can stop yourself getting into debt and the people that you are buying for will not miss the items that they never had.
3. If you are good at crafts, why not make something yourself to give as a present? The item will be cheaper if you make it yourself and it will be unique and special. Craft stores have a wide range of products and leaflets showing you how to make gifts such as jewellery items which are as pretty as anything you could buy ready made.
4. Look for the offers in High Street stores such as 3 for 2, or buy one get one free. Maximise on these offers by choosing three items that are around the same price so you save as much money as possible. Only use these offers though if there are suitable presents available. Work out exactly who each gift is for and don’t buy random items for the sake of it or you will have left over gifts and spend too much money. If you get free items though, make sure you count the full value of the item in your budget plan as the person who you give the gift to does not know it was free.
5. If you are planning on buying gifts from stores that have a loyalty card, look out for days on which they are giving away card points. This way you can build up your points and hopefully put them towards some presents without spending extra money.
6. If you shop online, use a price comparison website to check which store has the cheapest price.
7. Make a list of exactly who you are buying for and what sort of thing to buy them before you go out shopping so you don’t forget who you have bought for.
8. Haggle over the price. Many independent retailers or market stall sellers may knock a fair amount off the price if you are willing to barter for it. Stick to your limit though.
9. A food hamper is a lovely gift but can be expensive if bought ready made. During the few months running up to Christmas simply buy a few extra things with your food shopping. Look out for buy one get one frees on your usual brands. Keep one for yourself and put one away for a food hamper present.
10. If you have to use a credit card for your Christmas shopping then apply for a new one that offers 0% on purchases for 6 or 12 months. This way, you will not be paying any interest on your shopping until after the time frame has passed. This doesn’t mean that you should go over your budget though.
By implementing some, or all of these tips, you will find that Christmas shopping doesn’t have to break the bank and can be less stressful this year.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...Comments
Got something to say?
Latest Headlines
-
Resources
