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Sometimes, no matter how often you tell yourself you’re going to get holiday shopping done by a certain date and how much planning you do, you’re still doing last-minute shopping. This can feel quite overwhelming because you want to get meaningful gifts, but you’re also on a time crunch — not to mention the stores are going to be busy with other people who are in the same position as you.
If you do find yourself doing last-minute shopping, it’s essential to go in with a plan to make sure you’re sticking to your budget and reducing stress where you can. Here are some last-minute holiday shopping tips to help you wrap up your shopping as painlessly as possible.
Top Holiday Shopping Tips
Many people find themselves doing a little (or a lot) of last-minute shopping. Here are some holiday shopping tips to get you through the rest of your shopping while sticking to your budget.
Make a list (and check it twice).
Take a look at the whole picture and write down your plans. This includes who you have to buy for, ideas of what to get them and how much your budget is. This will help alleviate any panic you may feel in the store when you suddenly can’t remember who you have left to buy for and what you wanted to get them.
Price check.
Use your phone to check the prices of the gifts you want to get to see if they’re cheaper elsewhere or if the store you’re at can price match the better deal. If the store can’t price match and you’re going to order online, remember to factor in shipping costs and time. When you consider these factors, it may end up being cheaper or the same cost to get the item while you’re in the store instead of ordering it online.
Stay focused.
Remember who you’re purchasing for. It can be easy to get tempted into treating yourself after a long day — especially when there are so many deals going on — but keep the focus on shopping for everyone else. If you see something you want, you may be able to get it after the holidays and possibly at a discounted price during after-holiday sales.
Track your spending.
A long shopping day can get out of hand quickly. Keep track of how much you’re spending for each person and overall so you don’t go over your budget.
Use coupons and sales and promo codes, oh my!
Who doesn’t like to save money? Before you hit the stores, research where the items you need are on sale or if there are coupons or promo codes you can use for online or in-person purchases. Remember to check any stores you have a rewards card at because they may offer members-only discounts, coupons or rewards cash.
Use a rewards credit card (responsibly).
Using a rewards credit card can get you benefits such as cash back, travel discounts and other perks. However, make sure you’re using the card responsibly and just getting the items on your list. Resist the temptation to make purchases for yourself or splurge on gifts for loved ones.
Make it personal.
Consider what the person you’re buying for could really use or has had their eye on for a while. This makes the gift more thoughtful than something from a trendy store they may never use. For example, if your sister loves to write, she may appreciate a nice, high-quality notebook and pen.
Be realistic.
It can be all too easy to compare the gifts you can afford to what others are able to. However, everyone’s financial situation is different, and if you’re in a different place than others with a bigger budget, don’t feel like you have to break the bank to keep up. Your friends and family will likely appreciate gifts with a lot of thought behind them more than extravagant ones they may never use.
Meet Your Financial Goals All Year Round
Having a suite of products and services designed to help you improve your financial well-being all year round is essential. Track your spending, save for holiday gifts and important purchases and more with 7 17 Credit Union’s financial resources. Learn more by exploring a membership today.
