As each tree changes color and the scent of apples grow stronger it is hard to miss the fact that fall has arrived. With October on our heels, thoughts of Halloween, spiders, witches and ghosts come to mind, not Christmas tree's or holiday decorations. It is always shocking to see marketing efforts for the holiday season inflicted on us earlier each year making us complacent come December, but for many, 4th quarter sales help push the bottom line.
So, instead of being annoyed by the rush of the seasons and lack of holiday spirit it has become apparent that we should take this opportunity to embrace the moment and begin planning for what lies ahead. Specifically, this is a perfect time to begin looking at or creating your holiday budget. With the onslaught of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, it always seems that there is never enough money or time to buy gifts for all those special people on your list, but with Savvy Student we have you covered. Now is the perfect time to get organized and make your list.
You should first figure out how much money you will have to spend on holiday gifts and travel. You will also want to consider what time frame you have if you need to save up. Try to avoid buying gifts on credit unless you have the cash to pay it off. Interest will ultimately hike up the price of your purchases if you are not able to pay off your balance on time.
Determine how many people are on your shopping list and what budget you have set for each person.
If you are handy with tools or possess arts and crafts skills, put these to use and make presents. Homemade gifts are more special than store bought ones and will potentially save you money.
If you start window shopping early enough you can gather great ideas. This will also give you time to potentially find your gifts at a discount.
Another helpful tip is to think backwards in order to save money. As winter approaches, all summer and fall items will be discounted making potentially great gifts. Even though it's cold outside, you are not required to give presents relevant to the season. A gift you get in the winter, but can use in the spring or summer is like a two for one deal. The same applies in the spring, when all winter items are deeply discounted.
Also, think outside the box, literally. Volunteering is free of charge and could be the best gift around. Sending money to a legitimate charity can be a great way to share in the holiday spirit. You can also give your time away as a gift, free of charge by providing services such as shoveling, cleaning or cooking for your loved ones.
Something old, something new, something borrowed...usually pertains to weddings, but why not gather old gift cards for the holidays and re-gift them. Find the cards that you have been holding on to, the ones that have miscellaneous amounts remaining and add to them. It may not be a huge savings for you, but every little bit helps.
So, the next time you are out and about this month and you come face to face with a Christmas tree or Menorah don't roll your eyes, but be thankful for the opportunity to budget and plan, thus saving you a huge chunk of cash for the holidays. A little planning goes a long way.
If you have any other money saving tips please let us know and we will post your thoughts.
Tis the Season,
Savvy Student
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So, instead of being annoyed by the rush of the seasons and lack of holiday spirit it has become apparent that we should take this opportunity to embrace the moment and begin planning for what lies ahead. Specifically, this is a perfect time to begin looking at or creating your holiday budget. With the onslaught of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, it always seems that there is never enough money or time to buy gifts for all those special people on your list, but with Savvy Student we have you covered. Now is the perfect time to get organized and make your list.
You should first figure out how much money you will have to spend on holiday gifts and travel. You will also want to consider what time frame you have if you need to save up. Try to avoid buying gifts on credit unless you have the cash to pay it off. Interest will ultimately hike up the price of your purchases if you are not able to pay off your balance on time.
Determine how many people are on your shopping list and what budget you have set for each person.
If you are handy with tools or possess arts and crafts skills, put these to use and make presents. Homemade gifts are more special than store bought ones and will potentially save you money.
If you start window shopping early enough you can gather great ideas. This will also give you time to potentially find your gifts at a discount.
Another helpful tip is to think backwards in order to save money. As winter approaches, all summer and fall items will be discounted making potentially great gifts. Even though it's cold outside, you are not required to give presents relevant to the season. A gift you get in the winter, but can use in the spring or summer is like a two for one deal. The same applies in the spring, when all winter items are deeply discounted.
Also, think outside the box, literally. Volunteering is free of charge and could be the best gift around. Sending money to a legitimate charity can be a great way to share in the holiday spirit. You can also give your time away as a gift, free of charge by providing services such as shoveling, cleaning or cooking for your loved ones.
Something old, something new, something borrowed...usually pertains to weddings, but why not gather old gift cards for the holidays and re-gift them. Find the cards that you have been holding on to, the ones that have miscellaneous amounts remaining and add to them. It may not be a huge savings for you, but every little bit helps.
So, the next time you are out and about this month and you come face to face with a Christmas tree or Menorah don't roll your eyes, but be thankful for the opportunity to budget and plan, thus saving you a huge chunk of cash for the holidays. A little planning goes a long way.
If you have any other money saving tips please let us know and we will post your thoughts.
Tis the Season,
Savvy Student
