Enjoy the holidays without spending a fortune

We revel in excess during the holiday season. Spending quality time with our loved ones often means travelling farther than we’d like, eating more than we need and spending too much money. 

Here are a few tips to keep your holiday spending under control, so you can make it to the new year with your wallet intact:

1. Make a budget and stick to it. Beyond just buying gifts, the entire holiday spectacle can drain your wallet if you don’t plan ahead. Take into account meal preparation, travel, pet care, holiday cards and decorations when you set your budget. Once you have all of your known expenses written down in front of you, it’s easier to see where you can indulge, and where you might need to tighten up.

2. Get an early start. Last-minute shopping can be the ultimate money pit. Scrambling for gifts on a tight deadline sometimes means responsible spending flies out the window. Give yourself a buffer to shop around and compare prices. And speaking of comparing prices…

3. Do your research online. Perusing the aisles of your favorite stores is a great way to spark gift ideas, but be aware that you may not be seeing the best available price. Even if you prefer to shop in person and support local businesses, researching prices online lets you easily find the best deals on popular items this season. Many third party apps make comparing prices simple; don’t leave big savings on the table this year!

4. Save those coupons. Resist the temptation to immediately throw away the coupon booklets that arrive frequently in your mailbox. One-day events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer great flash sales, but the savings found through coupon cutting often rivals those deals without the time limitations or waiting in long lines. Door busters are great, but they aren’t the only way to save big.

Start saving more money today by giving us a call at 855.855.8805, or scheduling an in-person appointment with a First Tech specialist at a location near you.