How much would be too much?

Taylor Crosslan STAFF WRITER

Time around the holidays is supposed to be fun and happy with family and friends driving to fun places. With the current economic situation, driving for a long time can put a big hole in peoples’ pockets.

The economy is estimated to be up to 8.2% by the time the holidays come around. The year started off with an annual inflation rate of 7.5% and is calculated to keep going higher each year.

The highest it has been before COVID was 5.6% in July of 2008. Since COVID has started, the numbers have been getting higher and higher. With buying presents and high rising gas prices, a person may second guess what they should do with traveling.

English teacher Ryan Ray has been trying to save money, with three kids to provide for, by carpooling.

“We still need to go to all the same places, thus, we still have to drive as much as before. We do try to carpool and ride together whenever possible,” said Ray.

Around the holidays, people tend to drive more and try to be more accommodating, and online shopping will help save on gas money.

“The ease and convenience, as well as gas-saving, of online shopping is definitely helpful,” Ray said.

Online shopping is optimal for some, as they can stay in the comfort of their own home.

Social studies teacher Stacie Forbes has two young children with very different needs.

“I hate to admit it, but I just go online. Usually Amazon. I think it is becoming more and more obvious that department stores are struggling, as online shopping offers good deals and the ease of not leaving your home,” Forbes said.

Ray explained that the quality of brands is important too.

“We try to buy from responsible, sustainable companies like Patagonia, whose products are environmentally and worker-friendly

Stores with the best sales this season: American Eagle Outfitters

Amercian Eagle Outfitters always has a 50% off section in the back of the store. You can find an American Eagle Outfitters in the Meridan Mall in Okemos.

and will be durable and longlasting,” said Ray.

Choosing cash back with a credit card can also help save money because that money will eventually come back around. Cash back can also help with more purchasing needs.

“We use a credit card throughout the year that gives us cash back. We save up the cash back as Christmas money, so that we don’t dip into any other finances for travel or gifts,” Forbes said.

Everyone has their own thoughts about the rising inflation rate.

Ray has realized that there’s a connection between COVID starting in 2020 and it rising.

“I feel like the economy has shifted due to COVID as more of our daily dealings are being done online,” said Ray.

Forbes has the same idea about the pandemic having a hard impact on the economy. She says she thinks the economic recovery will take a while to get back to how it was before COVID.

Having a limit on spending can also help save money. A budget for spending allows people to save more, knowing that they have a strict limit on spending.

Having a shopping list can also help with staying within budget.

According to finance writer Elyssa Kirkham, whether you’re shopping for dinner or going out with friends, having a limit on spending will reflect in your future spending. The longer you stick to a list, the bigger difference you will see when looking at your bank account.

When thinking about the economy ruining the holidays, you can do multiple things to keep the bad times away from the good quality times that you won’t get back.

H&M

H&M is having a sale where you can get up to 60% off of the clothing, for the mens and womens clothing sections. This sale lasts all year long. You can find an H&M in the Meridian Mall in Okemos.

Bath and Body Works

As a new member to the Bath and Body Works community, you can get $10 off of a $30 purchase. On December 26th, there will be a sale that lasts through January. You can find the nearest one in the Meridian Mall.

Kohl’s

At Kohl’s there is always a clearance going on. As a member at Kohl’s, you will collect Kohl’s cash when shopping with them and can use that for later purchases. You can find the nearest one in West Lansing.