3 Ways to Save Money for Christmas

Yea, I know. Christmas talk already?!

The time has come for Christmas trees and decorations, at least for retailers. You’re probably tempted to buy already, so why not prepare now?

If you’re like me, your decision to buy Christmas gifts largely depends on your mood leading up to Christmas. Some years we buy gifts, other times we unapologetically decline. This year, we’ll likely give to at least our parents and siblings (that’s a novel thought – rotating gifts every year).

With me no longer working full-time, we have to be a bit more financially prudent (although I will say we were that way before). We want to get nice gifts early on and without breaking the bank. 

So, here are some tips I’m going to follow and suggest you do, too.

Sell, Sell, Sell

Now, we’re not saying sell your kids, sell your wife, but be intentional on what you DON’T need or want. The season has changed over so start first with inventorying last season’s attire. What can you sell on OfferUp, Ebay, or Nextdoor? What decorations do you have from last Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons that you can sell to either get something better or get rid of it all together? Did you grow out of or lose interest in anything? 

Other items you can look into selling are big-ticket items like furniture, an extra cell phone, a car, or even your house (hey, do you really need all of that space? and yes, you can sell a home in the winter – we did!)!

Forego Excess Spending

Let’s face it, you likely have your bare necessities covered. That is your food (excluding dining out), housing, transportation (gas, public transportation, insurance), and basic clothing. Everything else is excess, so consider downsizing or cutting back in those areas to make way for Christmas gifts. Weigh out the pros and cons of doing so.

If you are struggling to pay your bare necessities, it’s time to really reconsider your income and expenses, and whether the costs are worth it. You may want to live a certain lifestyle, but if it’s causing you stress, it’s not worth it. If you really want to keep your lifestyle, consider a higher paying job, a location change, and/or an extra stream of income.

If you really want to give gifts but you won’t have the money, consider giving something from your heart – a gently used item in your home, a DIY project, a letter, or a favor. I’ve done all of those things and they’ve been warmly received (Note: Jason and I give year-round, not just for holidays. If we see something we think someone will like and we have the money, we buy it and give it to them the next time we see them.)

Buy, Buy, Buy

You heard right – we’re giving you a license to spend. But hold up now. Don’t get too happy. You have to be smart about it. 

Consider these ways to buy without saying bye to all of your money:

*Shop deals NOW – they are out there

We all know the saying – “the early bird gets the worm”…so get the gettin’! Start looking for deals now. Dont’ wait for Black Friday promotions. I promise they are out there. Many department stores are still selling Fall and Winter items and miscellaneous non-clothing items from previous shopping seasons, so snatch them up! We just bought $36 winter leggings for a friend’s newborn for $12 (1/3 of the price!). 

If you’re into wearing or giving what’s “in”, I can’t really help you there. You’ll just have to catch a good sale or Black Friday. If you decide to peruse the online department stores, make shopping more seamless by filtering your search by color, size, brand, or cost, for example. This will save you time and frustration so you don’t see something you like only to find out it doesn’t fit your wants.

Remember, every retailer is trying to outdo the other so use that to your advantage.

*Hit up your neighbors – you know they have some nice stuff

No, I don’t mean physically go over to your neighbor’s house and ask them what you can buy from them. Let’s take the more discreet approach – like Nextdoor or OfferUp. Nextdoor is a website for your neighborhood news that also allows you to sell or buy items. OfferUp allows you to buy and sell items. You can find great deals and even negotiate the price. I’ve used both sites to sell and buy with positive experiences.

If you’re going to buy anything, be sure you meet them at your local police station. The authorities welcome exchanging in their lobby to help ensure your safety. Just call them ahead of time to let them know the meet-up time and they’ll be sure to have an officer available (or at least tell you the wait time). If this is not possible, bring someone else with you who can help you stay safe (and lift, if necessary).

 

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a budget-friendly Christmas. Remember, don’t give in to the pressure – there’s a true thing called buyer’s remorse and money and things can’t buy happiness.

– Tiffany