November 16, 2022

4 Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

Get into the holiday spirit with these smart money tips!

Be proactive

Creating a gift shopping plan for the holidays early on can be a great budgeting tool! Last minute purchases are often made on the basis of convenience rather than value. Giving yourself time to shop sales or look for special deals will make gift giving feel even more sweet! Shopping early will also help you spread out expenses rather than spending a large sum of money all at once.

Cash or card?

Taking out cash for your holiday shopping can be a great way to keep track of your holiday spending! This is a tangible way to know how much you’re spending. It can also prevent splurging on additional items. Another way to save up for the season is through credit card rewards. Try saving your cash back points, and deals throughout the year and put them toward your holiday expenses.

Be flexible with your flights

Traveling for the holidays is fun, but it can get expensive! When booking flights, try adjusting your travel dates on the airline website to find the best value (that fits within your schedule). Flight prices tend to increase as travel dates come closer. It may be helpful to book early, and it is often cheaper to fly on the day of the holiday rather than the days leading up to it. Websites like Google Flights or Skyscanner can be helpful for comparing all possible airline options.

It’s the thought that counts

While it is easy to get swept up in purchasing the perfect holiday gifts for others, it is important to keep in mind that the thought behind a gift is what truly matters. Homemade or experience based gifts usually cost a lot less than store bought presents and can mean just as much! Consider creating a gift from your personal hobby such as embroidery, woodworking, pottery, baking, or photography.

Get more budgeting resources and expert advice for the holiday season from Citizens First Bank. Feel free to stop in or give us a call today.