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6 Tips to Save Money During the Holidays

‘Tis the season where we often find ourselves bombarded with temptations to overspend on holiday cheer. There is plenty of pressure to give great gifts, deck the halls with the latest trends and host elaborate parties. With enough planning and creativity, you can have a great holiday season without straining your finances. Here are a few suggestions to help keep your holiday spending in check.

1. Set a Holiday Budget

When we think about setting a budget for the holidays, we usually just think about budgeting for gifts. But the food, decorations, travel and parties you might be hosting add up just as fast. Be sure to include all aspects of the holidays in your budget to help you keep on track.

2. Make a List

And check it twice! Commit to just buying from your list. It is easy to get caught up in all the holiday sales. Make a list that you know will fit within your budget and stick to it when you go to the store. Don’t get caught buying things just because it was a good deal.

3. Use Cash

Be cautious with credit cards. It is easy to overspend when you put everything on credit. Only taking the amount of cash that you have budgeted for with you when you go shopping will help you keep within your budget and avoid splurge purchases. This will help you be able to recover quickly from the holidays because you won’t have the shock of a large credit card statement looming over you once all the celebrations are over.

4. Give Yourself Time to Compare Prices

Avoid last minute shopping so you can take advantage of sales. If you have your list made early, you can watch as all the sales ads come out and compare prices for everything on your list. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll more than likely end up spending way more than you intended just to get everything on time.

5. Consider a Homemade Gift

Thoughtful gifts outshine expensive ones. Giving the perfect gift to someone is a great feeling – and so is watching their face when they open it. But you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get that genuine reaction. Giving something homemade can save you money, but it also shows your gratitude in a special way. Baked goods are always a fantastic option, or if you’re crafty, a DIY gift is something the special people in your life will cherish much longer than an expensive bottle of wine.

6. If You’re Hosting, Ask for Help

Eliminate some of the stress of hosting holiday parties by asking guests to bring something. If you have a large family for friend group. Not only will this make the preparation more enjoyable for you, it will also reduce your financial obligation significantly.

By following these tips, you can avoid holiday debt and keep your spirits up long after you take down your Christmas tree. Make the most of your savings by putting them in a First State Bank Nebraska savings account and watching them grow. We offer a variety of savings accounts with benefits that work for you.