Smart Tips to Save Money During the Holiday Season | Cleveland Bradley County Teachers Federal Credit Union

While the holidays may still feel like a distant concept, the reality is that they will be here before we know it—and with them, there will be extra expenses that inevitably pop up. From workplace White Elephants to surprise winter gatherings, there are many unexpected reasons you may have to stretch your budget a bit further between now and the start of the new year.

It seems like every year, the holiday season becomes about spending more and more—and the data backs up that feeling, too. Fortunately, there are ways to celebrate the holiday season without breaking the bank.

While it may seem that there are reasons to make purchases everywhere you turn, being a savvy shopper and paring down your gift ideas can go a long way in helping you save. Read on for all of our favorite savings tips for the holiday season below!

Tips for Saving Money in the Holiday Season

Set your budget ahead of time. Because stores are highly incentivized to make sales throughout the holiday season, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the excitement and buy more than you intended to during a holiday shopping trip. This is why it is helpful to set up a budget in advance—that way, you enter with a plan and know exactly how much you’re going to spend before the sale banners and bright signs have a chance to tempt you.

Embrace the e-commerce trend. Shopping online has become huge in recent years, and for good reason. Not only can you avoid the traffic of the shopping mall around Christmastime, but you can also often find coupons that are not offered in store. Additionally, shopping online can reduce the temptation of buying extra things and make it easier to stick to your list.

Start now to save big. While the holiday sales may seem like the best deals available, for most stores, they really are not the big deal that they used to be. Because of how much has changed in the digital world, it is increasingly easier to save big even outside of peak holiday shopping times. By starting early (as in, now), you can spread out your shopping, which is easier on your wallet and can help you snag deals as they come instead of having to do a mad dash to cross off your list.

If you would like to start an extra savings fund for your holiday expenses, we have the account for you! Contact us today to learn more about our savings accounts and how we can help you keep your money organized.