Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided
It always feels like the holiday season comes around and many people start looking for ways to save. Who doesn’t love to put money back in their pocket? Every year it seems like we say we’ll buy less, and then budgets are blown as supershopping ensues. However, this year is a little different. Situations and plans are all changing at rapid speeds, so maybe it really is time to think about how less can be more. Here are a few tips on how to enjoy the holidays with minimal stress, and without breaking the bank.
Many people make a list of who they want to buy for and what they’d like to receive, so feel free to make a list and check it
twice. Not everyone operates according to a budget, but it’s not a bad idea to project how much you’ll spend on each person. This year, write it down. Make a budget and stick to it. Not only is this helpful for spreading the love evenly, but it’s also much better for your bank account. Once you are done shopping for certain things, check them off your list and record how much you spent.
As stated before, we often plan to buy fewer gifts than in previous years, but end up with more than enough presents to fit under the tree. Think outside the box. Some of the best gifts aren’t the biggest, but the most thoughtful. Stick to the philosophy of “Something to wear, something to read, something they want, and something they need,” and see how
that goes. If you hate it, you can buy more next year.
Sometimes it’s hard to plan ahead in these crazy times of uncertainty, but this is one thing you should do if you can. When you shop early, it spreads out your expenses to make the process more bearable, and sometimes you can get amazing deals. This can alleviate the stresses of lastminute shopping.
There are many local shops that need us this holiday season. Go directly to your favorite local retailer or visit a website like TruLocal.com, where you can shop online through your hometown favorites and pick up curbside. You can save on shipping, give back to your community, and find unique and fun gifts for your family.
Do your research. Don’t jump the gun on buying something. Check out all the places where you can find a certain item, and look for the best price. You can even price-match at many stores these days. Keep your smartphone handy to look up prices on other sites quickly. The best things for your budget and bank account during the holidays are discounts and
30 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2020 / BrownsburgMagazine.com
