One of the biggest challenges of the holiday season, as the likes of Robert Jain can attest, is saving money. Everything from shopping for presents to buying airline tickets contributes to the difficulties of keeping costs low. What people may not know is that, during this time of the year, saving money isn't as difficult as it appears. In fact, here are some of the things to avoid when shopping during the holidays.
One of the biggest holiday shopping mistakes, according to reputable authorities on finance like Bob Jain, is shopping in person. It's common to assume that, especially on busy days like Black Friday, the best deals are found in person. As ecommerce becomes more common, however, the sales that are found online are nearly identical. You don't have to necessarily leave your house in order to save money on presents for your loved ones.
What about the idea of making a list and the fact that many people fail to do so? This isn't exactly a list to see who's been naughty or nice before Christmas, but instead a catalog of purchases that you have made during the holiday season. By keeping this list, you will see how much money you're spending and perhaps not be so eager to make purchases for yourself. This is an often-overlooked money-saving measure, but its importance can't be denied.
Creativity, or lack thereof, can hurt holiday shoppers just as much. It's important to note that the most expensive gift ideas aren't necessarily the best, especially if they don't appear as though they come from the heart. If you have loved ones that you're shopping for, focus on what they enjoy. Recognize the shows that they like watching, any video games that they've been speaking highly of, or what have you. You can buy more meaningful gifts and, if you're smart, you can save money in the process.
Perhaps the most common mistake that holiday shoppers continue to make, even now, is procrastinating. Do you think that you'll be able to shop for everyone on your list, friends, family members, and loved ones included, in about a week or so? Chances are that you'll find this to be difficult, if not impossible, to perform. You need to give yourself ample time to shop and get everything that you need to be done, as this will save you money and stress alike.
One of the biggest holiday shopping mistakes, according to reputable authorities on finance like Bob Jain, is shopping in person. It's common to assume that, especially on busy days like Black Friday, the best deals are found in person. As ecommerce becomes more common, however, the sales that are found online are nearly identical. You don't have to necessarily leave your house in order to save money on presents for your loved ones.
What about the idea of making a list and the fact that many people fail to do so? This isn't exactly a list to see who's been naughty or nice before Christmas, but instead a catalog of purchases that you have made during the holiday season. By keeping this list, you will see how much money you're spending and perhaps not be so eager to make purchases for yourself. This is an often-overlooked money-saving measure, but its importance can't be denied.
Creativity, or lack thereof, can hurt holiday shoppers just as much. It's important to note that the most expensive gift ideas aren't necessarily the best, especially if they don't appear as though they come from the heart. If you have loved ones that you're shopping for, focus on what they enjoy. Recognize the shows that they like watching, any video games that they've been speaking highly of, or what have you. You can buy more meaningful gifts and, if you're smart, you can save money in the process.
Perhaps the most common mistake that holiday shoppers continue to make, even now, is procrastinating. Do you think that you'll be able to shop for everyone on your list, friends, family members, and loved ones included, in about a week or so? Chances are that you'll find this to be difficult, if not impossible, to perform. You need to give yourself ample time to shop and get everything that you need to be done, as this will save you money and stress alike.
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