While December may be the most joyful season of the year, there’s no denying that it’s also the one that hits your budget the hardest. Between holiday gift giving, expensive decorations, the expanded food budget, and everything else that goes along with this time of year, it’s no wonder that January comes with a hard hit of financial reality. But here at Closet & Storage Concepts of Charlotte, we think with some proper planning and organization, you can keep your holiday budget in check. Try out these tips to have a happy and frugal holiday!
Shop the Off-Season
This tip might not just apply to this year’s Christmas; keep it in mind throughout the year and by next year you’ll be glad you did! Just because we do our gift-giving in December, doesn’t mean that we have to find all of our gifts in December. Slowly accumulate people’s gifts throughout the year, and you’ll save yourself from the budget-busting one-time splurge that comes with buying them all at once. Try shopping for holiday gifts at summer yard sales or with freebies and deals that show up in other seasons. Buy wrapping paper after the holidays when it goes on sale and use it next year. This will also make for better gifts in the long run, since you’ll actually be able to think about and choose what you give people, rather than just going with what’s cheap and available at the last minute!
Reuse and Recycle
This mantra doesn’t have to apply just to sustainability, while it may be more of an eco-mantra, it can keep your finances sustainable as well. You should never be wasting money on things like tissue paper or holiday gift bags when their prices are inflated in December. Once you’ve opened your own gifts, simply hang on to the wrapping and you’ll have holiday bags to use next year! While re-gifting may be seen as tacky, if you’ve received something that you won’t use but which you know someone else wants, as long as you’re discreet there’s no reason not to make everyone happier, including your bank account!
Utilize Rewards
Whether they are credit card rewards, gifts for buying a certain amount from a certain store, or discounts for special items, try to always be mindful of what you can get without having to pay for it. Now, this doesn’t mean spend $75 dollars at the candy store to get the free pound of gummy bears if no one you know eats much candy, of course. You have to be strategic with your rewards and discounts. But with some careful planning, you’ll be shocked to find how much money you can save!
Thrift Stores are Your Friend
Just because something comes from Value Village, as long as it’s in good shape and presented well, doesn’t make it any less of a good gift if you’ve put thought and love into it. Thrift stores and consignment shops are excellent resources for those giving gifts on a budget. As long as you’re willing to look a little harder in order to find the hidden gems, you can give excellent gifts at a much lower cost to your checkbook.
With these tips in hand, you’ll have a happy holiday season which won’t break the bank, and have a regret-free January with no financial holiday hangover! To get started on organizing any new gifts, contact your local custom home storage company in Charlotte – Closet & Storage Concepts.
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