9 Holiday Savings Hacks | Make the MOST of Your Holiday Budget

October 16, 2022 4 min read

The Money Bag Newsletter by Financial Footwork

9 HOLIDAY SAVINGS HACKS

It’s beginning to look a lot like...the HOLIDAYS! With So much to do, and with such little time we want to make you're well prepared and on schedule for all the excitement that these seasons bring. So get cozy and take some notes because we are gifting you early this year with some financial coaching and financial game! 

Good food. Great times. Football. Online Shopping. Parties. Travel. All the above?! Most likely. 

The holidays are a fantastic time of year when people come together to exchange gifts and memories.  But of course—money is spent. Saving money during the holidays can be tough! So we’ve put together a list of a few simple, easy, and FUN ways to save money during the Holidays!


1 | MAKE A BUDGET & STICK TO IT

You’re probably thinking of a budget. Uhm—duh. 

My question is...are you doing it? And if you HAVE made one—are you sticking to it? Most people THINK about setting up a Holiday budget, but they don’t follow through. SOOOO DO IT! 

 Eliminate the stress of spending during the Holidays and set up your budget! If you know where your money is going and what is coming up, you can plan for it, set money aside, and make those funds work for your financial life. 

Be sure to check out our full holiday Budget Guide article! We give four simple steps to improve your Holiday Budget game. (Jingle Bells to the yeah!)

  

Free Holiday Budget Template

 

2 | SHOP THE SALES

Start early and stick to your list! Sales start in mid-November. Get your shopping list together and figure out what you want to get for each person on your list. Then, shop for those sales! 

Take advantage of the different options available during the holidays. 

Don’t settle on the first price you see— shop around. The beauty of the internet is that it is just a few more clicks to look up an item and shop for the final price. Save yourself $2 to $50 per item simply by shopping it on a few sites and googling sale codes! Now, do that 10 times for 10 different gifts and you’re piling on the savings. 

 

3 | HOST A POTLUCK

Why do a fancy dinner all by your lonesome? Have a potluck and invite your closest friends! Everyone pitches in and everyone enjoys it.  

To kick it up a notch, set a theme. Christmas desserts, brunch, appetizers, or favorite Holiday dishes. 

 

Financial Planner from Financial Footwork

 

 

4 | BAKE YOUR HOLIDAY GOODIES

Need cookies for Santa? Would you like to send some goodies to your neighbors or co-workers? Take the cost out of buying them and make a day of baking with family and friends at home.

Made with love always tastes better. <3


5 | CREATE YOUR SEASONAL CALENDAR

As a kid, I LOVED advent calendars because it meant I got chocolate each night. With a make-your-own Advent calendar, you and your family can design/decorate each day of the month and get a mix of candy (snickers minis, Reese's minis, etc.) 

Why not make it your own? (You can do this with any seasonal or holiday countdown like Hanukkah, the 12 days of Christmas, etc.!)

This is a great one for the family. By creating your Advent Calendar, you could save $25-50 per calendar and you get the candy of your choice for $2-3/bag and spend quality time with those closest to you. A great little way to save!


6 | VOLUNTEER

One of my favorite things to do is to help those in need with a few extra helping hands during the holidays. The best part? It leaves everyone feeling good and it doesn’t have to cost you a dime. Go to your nearest food bank, homeless shelter, church, or community center and donate your time to helping those in your community.
Free holiday Budget Template

 

 

7 | START A HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST

What do you love to do during the holidays? What are some of the things you want to do and have not tried? Make a list of your closest friends and family members. Next steps? You guessed it—DOOOOO IT!


8 | NEIGHBORHOOD REUNION 

Sit down for coffee, snacks, or dessert with your neighbors! Everyone brings an item to enjoy and celebrates the holiday spirit together. 

 

9 | STOCKING STUFFERS!

Stocking stuffers are a surefire a hit or miss! What’s the secret? Get things people can use! 

Don’t waste money on throw-away gifts,  you’re just giving them the present of a Christmas task which is just another pain in you know what, and not very fun! INSTEAD—focus on one or two items that each person will use. Get your money’s, worth baby!

Remember—being in the presence has way more value than presents. So if it’s not in your budget to spend responsibly, give the gift of love. 

Happy holidays, and happy mindful spending! 

 

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