Christmas season is known as the season of giving. This is why shopping comes in a very close second whenever you mention the word “Christmas”. And while it is supposed to be a joyous time, for most people it can also be very stressful because of financial concerns. It can be very taxing trying to shop for everyone you want to give presents to with a limited, or worse – zero, budget.
Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this problem! TADAAA INTRODUCING:
Here are some ways to maximize your Christmas shopping budget:
1. Set a budget and stick to it.
If you have a limited budget, categorize the list of people you want to give present to and prioritize them according to their importance – family, relatives, friends, coworkers and people you interact with or provide service to you from time to time (mailman, milk delivery guy, neighbor, etc.). Decide how much you are willing (and able) to spend on the most important people on your list and then divide whatever is left among the rest of them.
2. Consider giving group gifts – family gifts, couple gifts, etc.
This will allow you to save money rather than shopping for each person on your list. Also, consider pitching in for a group gift. For example, you can give your parents a new appliance or even a service at a spa and divide the among your siblings or whoever is willing to pitch in.
3. As much as possible, pay with debit card instead of credit cards.
Debit is just spending what cash you have right now while credit cards can end up costing you more if you don’t pay them in full because of interest rates.
4. If you intend to use credit cards, use the one that offers the lowest interest rates.
5. Take advantage of catalogue shopping.
Catalogue shopping web site offer a wide variety of products, allowing you to do all your Christmas shopping in one place, in the comforts of your home, anytime of the day. They also let you open a credit card exclusive to their site as well, giving you the option to finance payments on an installment basis. You can easily spread payments monthly, at a fixed (lower) interest rate. This will allow you to spread out your budget and give room for spending without breaking the bank.
Since your credit line is exclusive with them, you can also opt to avail of their “Buy Now & Pay Later” offer – another opportunity to map out and plan your Chistmas shopping budget better. Application is easy, approval moreso. People with bad credit history still can get approved, albeit with a lower credit limit at first with the chance of having it lifted if they are able to make timely monthly payments.
So what are you waiting for, take these 5 tips with you and you're good to go! Happy shopping! :)
2 NOTES
So helpful especially now that shopping season is here. Christmas really brings out the generosity in us.
ReplyDeleteIt does. Thanks Lux! :)
Delete