How to Save Money This Holiday Season the holidays season is upon us. So, is this the most wonderful time of the year or is it the most stressful? Honestly, it is probably but the good news is that we are going to get through this together.
We will walk you through everything from avoiding travel hassles to serving an unforgettable holiday feast. Most importantly we’re going to help you celebrate this holiday season by maximizing your buying power during these tricky economic times.
Holiday Shopping
This year the pressure is on to snag those deals. Retailers are responding by early notifications of holiday sales and discounting excess inventory caused by last year’s supply chain issues. About a quarter of Americans are already shopping for the holiday season and there is a fair amount of momentum going into this time.
More than half of Americans plan to travel over the holiday season with 30% flying. But the journey may be rocky as the travelers face fewer flight options, high fuel costs, and staffing shortages.
Staying on Budget
Staying on a budget and not going into debt during the holidays is always a challenge and this year with inflation, it is easier to overspend. The number one tip would be to make a checklist.
You do not need to spend the money all at once. It would help if you were mindful of when the spending is happening so that your January credit card bill does not crush you.
Online Marketplaces
With high inflation, second-hand goods may become a popular option for presence this year, but buyers beware. Criminals are also taking notice and they are trying to take advantage of those bargain hunters. Online marketplaces can be a suitable place to find bargains.
Food Tips
It sure can feel like you have a bunch on your plate when it comes to planning that holiday meal, especially this year with food prices going up. For stuffing, do not worry about using dried spices.
You can use the species that are in your cupboard right now. We know abundance recipes call for fresh, but you can do just as well with dried spices. If you do want to get fresh, do not worry about wasting because there are ways to preserve them and save them.
You can cut them like fresh cut flowers and put them in a glass on the counter. They can stay in for a couple of days and keep changing the water every day.
If you are worried about still not using them, just chop them up and put them in an ice cube tray with olive oil. This will give you little flavorful bombs that you can put in soups, stews, and sauces.
Do not feel like you need to have a variety of wines for every single person. Your job is to get one red and one white crowd-pleaser. They do not have to be expensive.
If you talk to your wine shops, they will provide you with a bottle for as low as $12. The more you buy the cheaper it is. So, in case you have gotten a big crowd coming, one red, a medium-bodied red, one white, and your guests get to choose.
The important thing about saving at the grocery store is to plan early. Shop early and shop often. The first step would be to set up your menu.
List out what you are missing. Perishable vs non-perishables. If you have time, you can compare shops. So, you look for things online, for things on sale. Sign up for the loyalty program and make use of the rewards.
We hope we were able to give you varied practical tips and make your holiday season a little bit easier and money efficient.
