10 Tips to Save Money During the Holiday

Economizing Can Be Fun

Robin Vinci
Robin Vinci, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Oct 24, 2010 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
  1. Organize a list and a budget. And, do it early. Don't be afraid to ask close relatives to set a limit. If you both know how much to spend, neither will feel funny giving or receiving a big gift. You will spend about the same amount. Then try to make a list of what you want to buy and stick to it.
  2. Shop early. Don't wait for Black Friday. A lot of times, what you want is gone. Some items are actually cheaper before the big buying season begins. At least check stores to see what the sale prices are now. Then, if there is a sale, you will know if it really is or just a way to get you into the store.
  3. Pay cash. Don't put it on your credit card. If you buy early, you can spread out the gifts in weeks so you have more cash. You can also use lay-a-way in many stores. Use that option rather than a credit card.
  4. If you are entertaining then think about renting supplies. It is a lot cheaper than buying things you will never use again. Check out renting stores to see what they have available. In the long run this could save you a bundle.
  5. Make holiday decorations and ornaments. There are lot of make it yourself ideas out there. Make it a family project and it will seem like something special rather than a money saving idea.
  6. Make your own holiday cards. Look online and you can find many places that allow you to make holiday cards. Why waste money when making them yourself is cheaper and adds a personal feel to the card. You may also want to consider an E-card for some people on your list to save a stamp.
  7. If you are mailing someone a gift, why send them a Christmas card? Put the card in the package and send it early. Why waste a stamp? Put everything you need in one package. Also, if someone else you are sending a gift to lives nearby, put all packages in one box and ask the person to deliver it. It saves a lot of money to put all items in one package rather than mail several out.
  8. Use the holiday as an excuse to save electricity. Eat by candlelight or by a roaring fire. Tell the kids TVs, radios, computers etc...must be shut off during dinner. It sounds like a little thing, but it will save you a few dollars.
  9. If you cook, make your gifts, If you are a crafter, make your gifts, If you are a planter, make your gifts. Whatever you do, you probably have a skill that people would love to receive. Why waste it?
  10. Use newspapers, tissue paper, magazines or any interesting paper to wrap gifts. I bet if you look you will also find some old velvet pieces to make a bow. Use old Christmas cards for a gift tag. People really enjoy creativity. Don't waste it.

Published by Robin Vinci

A full-time news reporter for 17 years. I have won over 20 different journalism awards in CT-SPJ and NEPA including investigative reporting, sports, columns and news. I recently opened my own business sellin...  View profile

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