Tis the season for spending money and with that probably many of you like me are worried about finances and budgets. I live paycheck to paycheck and have been out of work since the pandemic started. So I have to get creative this year when it comes to holiday shopping. I am going to make as many of my gifts that I can by gathering up free supplies that I find and build something. What are some of the creative ways you used so you didn't overspend?
I set a budget for Christmas (gifts, donations & grocery) for 2020 and started saving in January. Since all of my nieces and nephews are adults I know their interest and try to give them gifts they will appreciate and enjoy, i.e. books; my siblings get gift cards to their favorite store and the kids under 18 want cash. My Christmas shopping is completed by Thanksgiving. Because of Covid we will not be doing our big family get togethers for Thanksgiving or Christmas so I have purchases most foods needed for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and so far I am under budget.
I usually start my Christmas shopping January I know what everybody wants it helps I even make Christmas stocking for everybody I will fill it with fruit and candy and some little gift I know they will enjoy. Our Thanksgiving and Christmas will be a little smaller this year because of the Covid. I also have my food brought for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My great nieces and nephew are still young they don't understand what is going on so I am making it a little special for them.
When I see a great deal on a product, usually skin care or make up. I have 2 adult daughters so I know what they like. So I purchase and keep in a cool dark place. Pretty soon I have 2 boxes filled with goodies I know they'll love.
I get started saving early for Christmas but I also get started buying early too so usually I’m able to make payment plans on certain gifts (without interest) and I’m usually able pay it off by Christmas
I need to save
I save for gifts throughout the year. I also set a budget for gifts and when possible give hand made gifts.
I look for good deals and then try to find cash back rewards through either my credit card or Samsung pay, sometimes I get lucky and find both on one product. Saving for what you intend to spend and then sticking to that budget is key, though!
I have a sinking fund for gifts including Christmas, which I add money to each paycheck. I also funnel any extra money I receive from apps like Ibotta and Receipt Hog to my sinking funds as well.
