You are not alone if you think celebrating holidays always make a hole in your already tight budget. Unfortunately, it happens to most of us. So start planning your holidays now and save money for the big time to reduce the overwhelm. Learn how to save money for holidays at the beginning of the year.
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Here are some ways you can save money.
Keep a separate bank account for the holiday savings. This money can be used for travel and other expenses at the end of the year holidays. Start early so that you will have enough time to plan and save.
- Saving goal: Make a saving goal. Your goal should be according to your budget for the holiday season.
- Open a separate bank account: Keep your money in a different bank account, so you are not tempted to spend this money. Also, keep the bank card attached to this account hidden to curb the temptation to buy the usual stuff.
How to save money for holidays
1. Make a budget
Make a budget for your holidays and stick with it. But, of course, it depends on what you want to do during those days.
Dinners, parties, and travel require a lot of money. So plan and start saving now. Then, your holidays will be more affordable and enjoyable.
I know you think the holiday season is many months away, but it makes sense to start saving now. This is march, and if you start saving now, you will be able to save a lot of money.
2. Cut back on extras
If you love spending, I am sure you will be in the habit of spending on extra things you don’t need. Cut back on those. If you like to buy dresses now and then and never wear them now and then, stop and save that money into your holiday savings account.
Instead of buying lunch daily, try to cook a few times a week. If you can save at least 10 dollars a week, you will be able to save a few hundred dollars until the holiday season.
3. Shop around sales
Always shop around sales and if you find something which you can gift your loved ones during Christmas, buy. But remember, keep it under your budget.
Not every sale is equal. Sometimes stores sell the stickers but don’t change the prices.
4. Do some spring cleaning
Do you hate spring cleaning? I wouldn’t say I like it too. But believe me, you will get many things stacked in cupboards and drawers. You can use these items, or you can sell the unwanted stuff. Both ways, you will benefit from it.
5. Sell kid’s toys
We all know that kids get bored with their toys and need different toys at different ages. Instead of piling them in your house, sell them at your local Facebook marketplace. And save that money towards your holiday account.
6. Buy meaningful gifts
It is possible to get into the trap of buying the most beautiful gifts. Instead, opt for meaningful gifts. Those gifts that will be helpful for a longer time will be better than the one that gives happiness for a few minutes.
7. Stop spending time in front of the TV
If you have a habit of watching TV for a few hours daily, cut back and use that time to start doing something to earn money. For example, you can start doing surveys online. Of course, you will not become rich, but making 100-200 dollars a month can add up and help you grow your holiday account.
Here are a few survey sites you can start using now.
SURVEY JUNKIE: Survey Junkie is one of the best sites to make money as it provides a lot of good-paying surveys. Some people say that they get around $50 in surveys. Sign up with Survey Junkie here
VINDALE SEARCH: This New York-based company pays anywhere between $1-5 for surveys. Get your bonus just for signing up. Sign up with Vindale research here.
Celebrations, travel, and gifting will become very easy. It will not put a burden on your already tight budget. The last time I traveled overseas, I spent only the money I saved for my travel. The feeling was incredible.
8. Cancel unused subscriptions
Do you keep subscriptions that you never use? Cancel them, and you can save a lot. For example, if you don’t get time to watch TV, what is the use of keeping a cable connection? Cancel it. And start saving that money in a different account, particularly for holiday savings.
The same is with magazine subscriptions. Cancel them. There are so many magazines available online for free. Read them for free.
Cancel your gym subscription if you don’t use it frequently. What is the point in keeping subscriptions if you are not using them?
9. Shop online and save by getting cashback
Shop online to save money and time. While shopping online, keep your temptations under control. Make a list of the items you want to shop online. Online shopping can save you money and time. Keep a few things in mind.
- Shop through cashback sites like Rakuten ( earlier Ebates)
- Keep the items in the shopping cart for two days, and it is highly that you will get an email for free shipping (if it is not already available) or some discount.
- Shop strictly for those items you need. Online shopping can blow your budget.
- Compare different websites, and buy from the cheapest ones.
10. Make your gifts at home
If possible, make your gifts at home. There is no better way than gifting home-cooked gifts. For example, you can prepare Cookies, jellies, and candies at home. Pack them in a clear mason jar and decorate it.
11. Cut back on alcohol and smoking
If you have a habit of drinking and smoking, this is the time to cut back on this. These items are expensive, and you will spend a good amount of money on these vices. Cut back slowly. And the amount of that money into your savings.
12. Skip your lattes
We all feel like a few dollars here, which will not matter much. But they add up in the long run. For example, if you spend 4 dollars a day on coffee for ten days a month. It comes out to be around 40 dollars a month and 480 dollars a year.
You have accomplished a lot, even if you can save half of that money. This is March, and if you start from now, saving $20 on your coffee each month will save around $180 til December.
13. Lower your bills
You cannot believe how much utilities can save you. First, write down how much you spend on utilities each month. Then make changes to how you use water, gas, and energy. Finally, try to limit the use.
Also,
- Talk to your utility provider to lower the bills and get discounts
- Change utility providers if others are giving lower rates
Water:
- Reduce the frequency of laundry
- Take less time to shower ( If you take 10 minutes for a shower, reduce it to 7 minutes ). Always use a timer. You will be surprised to know how much you saved.
- Always use a dishwasher when it is complete. If you have a few dishes, wash them with your hands.
- Make sure no tap is leaking
Gas
- If your house is gas heated, keep the thermostat lower
- Bulk cook the items you can freeze
You can read about saving on gas here
Electricity
- Switch off whenever not using
- Keeping your thermostat under control
Here I have put some points you can use to reduce your electricity bills
Compare the bills you get from your new provider with the old ones, and save the difference.
I am sure you will be able to save a good amount of money.
14. Cut your junk
Everything which doesn’t add value to your life is junk. Whether it is food or clutter lying around your house if you love fast food and love to eat out, consider breaking that habit.
If you cannot eliminate this habit, try to limit the use of junk food. It will help you maintain good physical as well as financial health.
If you find stuff lying around your house that you think is not adding any value to your life but could benefit somebody else, sell it. Or donate it somewhere. Most of the time, our wardrobe is full of clothes we never wear. So donate anything you don’t use at your home.
These ideas will need some determination and a change in your lifestyle. But, even if you are tight on money now, you can save for holidays at the end of the year. Also, these are my favorite tips on how to save money for holidays on a tight budget.
♠ If you want gift cards: Sign up with Swagbucks. There are many ways to earn points from Swagbucks to get rewards and free points.
♠ If you want instant money: Sign up with Ebates and get your bonus of $10, which you can access after making some purchases. In addition, there are many stores from which you can earn cashback on shopping.
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