SHARK BITES – Best Ways to Stay Frugal & Debt Free During The Holidays
The holidays are a festive time filled with joy, excitement and warmth. Gift giving, planning 
vacations and hosting holiday events can easily be the best parts of Christmas, but they can also put you in the red. Here are the best ways to stay frugal & debt free during the holidays:
- Budget Your Time – By budgeting your time, you’re also saving money. When you wait until the last minute to grab the groceries for your feast, or that gift for your niece that is obsessed with Shopkins, you risk paying full price. Start early and keep the momentum going. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save when you don’t procrastinate.
- Keep Track – Purchasing gifts online is usually the best way to shop for the biggest discounts. In fact, we’ve been posting some great deals at the lowest prices of the year. If you’re using a credit card, pick the one with the lowest interest rate, and designate that card for all holiday spending. Keep track of your spending, just like you would with a checkbook. If you’re making debit card purchases, remember that some sites (like Amazon) won’t charge you until your item ships. This can cause a delay in funds being taken from your account, and you may think you have more money than you actually do. Keeping track of all spending is the best way to ensure you don’t overdraw your account.
- Treat Yourself – While it’s easy to go crazy with incredible deals for friends and family, don’t forget about yourself. When you’re digging through bargains, and see something you would like, throw in a treat that you would like, too. Not only will this give you the satisfaction of getting something new, you’ll find yourself slowing down on the shopping for everyone else, too!
- No Wrapping Required – Consider giving gifts that don’t need wrapping! Bake cookies or holiday candy for your friends, co-workers, family and neighbors. Large batches that are split up will cost you next to nothing. You can also create coupon books for babysitting, snow removal, a girl’s night out, dog walking or other chore you can do. This won’t cost you a cent, but it will be a priceless gift. That’s a win-win situation!
- Send e-Cards – Holiday cards are a great way to reach out to friends and family, wishing them a happy holiday season. If your budget is tight, skip the paper cards and stamps, and consider sending e-cards this year. You can find plenty of fun and FREE e-cards from American Greetings and save a ton of money this year!
- Get Married – This is the slowest time of the year for bridal stores, so take advantage of the sales they offer. You’ll also have a natural Winter Wonderland backdrop to your wedding, if you’re already planning on nuptials this season. Churches will already be adorned with beautiful holiday decor, so that will save you lots of money, too. Even if you aren’t planning a Winter wedding, grab the deals that are offered on bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses now!
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Kwanza or Hanukkah, you can still be frugal and festive at the same time! Keep yourself debt-free this season, and you’ll have more time to sit back, relax and enjoy the magic that the holidays bring!
What are some of your favorite frugal tips for the holidays?
“Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
