Can you believe there’s only 30 days until Christmas? For many, the holiday season sneaks up faster than expected. If you haven’t been saving money all year, money for gifts, activities, and holiday cheer might be tight.
But don’t panic! You can still prep your finances and start saving up for a merry Christmas, even with only weeks to go. This article will walk through quick and easy money-saving tips to implement before the holidays.
Do I Really Need a Christmas Budget?
Before making a plan, first create a detailed Christmas budget. This allows you to see exactly what expenses you’re facing and need to save up for gifts, supplies, food, activities and more.
Make a list of every single person you plan to buy presents for. Then set a firm maximum dollar amount you’re willing to spend on each. Be realistic but tight-fisted if needed.
Add up all the money in categories for décor, food, activities, and other holiday costs. Total it up to find your overall Christmas budget number. Knowing this bottom line is key for targeting savings.
How Can I Come Up with Extra Money Fast?
Bringing in supplemental income is the fastest way to give your Christmas savings a boost. Here are quick ways to earn more money with the holidays approaching:
- Pick up a side gig like retail, delivery driving, or babysitting. Many companies hire seasonal help.
- Sign up to donate plasma. Plasma centers often offer large bonuses for new donors. Earnings add up fast.
- Ask your regular job about overtime or extra holiday hours. Even a few extra shifts can make a difference.
- Get crafty making homemade gifts and treats to sell locally. Capitalize on holiday demand for giftables.
Every bit of extra money earned between now and Christmas should go straight into your holiday savings fund. Avoid temptations to overspend it so those earnings really count!
Could My Cell Phone Bill Be Getting in the Way of Christmas Shopping?
Monthly cell bills eat up a chunk of anyone’s budget. If you’re trying to save money for gifts, you want to lower costs wherever possible.
But staying connected through the holidays is crucial for coordination. So consider looking into free cell phone service.
Programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program provide FREE Talk, Text, and monthly smartphone Data to those who qualify based on income or government program participation.
Providers like EASY Wireless offer service through these programs with the same coverage as major carriers but at no cost.
Eliminate your cell phone bill and put that extra cash into your Christmas fund!
Add Family Lines to Your Account for Added Savings
Once you are enrolled in EASY Wireless service add an additional line or lines for your family. With some of the best cell phone and data rates in the industry, you can give the gift of connectivity this Christmas season!
Shop online or add-A-line at any of our stores or mobile locations.
Get a New Tablet for Only $10.99*
If you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) you are eligible to receive a 1-time special discount on a brand-new tablet from EASY Wireless**. You can purchase one of these tablets at our of our retail locations or call (877) 476-3451.
Give the tablet as a great gift for a family member.
*plus applicable sales taxes
** only 1 tablet per ACP-eligible household across all ACP Providers
What are Quick Ways to Raise Cash for Gifts?
Look around your home for unwanted stuff collecting dust. Having a garage sale or selling items online via Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist is an easy way to earn extra money fast that can be used for holiday shopping.
Be ruthless in clearing out closets, attics, garages, and storage spaces. Anything you know you won’t use can be sold. Every dollar earned will add to your Christmas savings account when you need it most.
How Do I Save Money on Gifts Without Skimping on Quality?
Splurging on gifts isn’t necessary to make Christmas special. Follow these tips to save on presents without sacrificing meaningful sentiment:
- Set firm gift spending limits and stick to them. Don’t get tempted by impulse purchases.
- Shop discount stores like Dollar Tree and dollar sections for stocking stuffers.
- Use cash back apps like Rakuten or Upside when buying gifts online to earn money back.
- Buy discounted gift cards at grocery stores to give as quick, affordable presents.
- Make homemade edible gifts like cookies, candy, or baked goods.
- Re-gift nice unused items given to you to others who would appreciate them.
Saving on gifts while keeping quality high lets you do gift giving and spread holiday cheer on a budget!
What are Ways to Save on Food, Décor, and Other Costs?
Outside of wrapping gifts and presents, look for savings in other holiday spending categories:
- Avoid impulse purchases and stick to necessities when grocery shopping for gatherings.
- Buy wrapping paper from Dollar stores. It’s just going to get torn off anyways
- Save by making some gifts like a personalized coupon book or baked treats.
- Place coupons for services like car washes or babysitting in stockings as clever stocking stuffer gifts.
- Shop post-holiday sales now for inexpensive décor to use next year.
Get crafty with cutting costs wherever you can. It all contributes to much-needed Christmas savings.
How Do I Avoid Overspending on Christmas Gifts with Little Time Left?
Careful planning and savvy saving will make Christmas magical without going overboard. Here are some final money-saving tips as the holidays approach:
- Compare in-store prices with shopping online to find the best deals
- Set a detailed budget and gift list then vow not to deviate.
- Check if you have any bank, loyalty reward points, or gas app points you can convert into free gift cards or use to reduce Christmas spending
- Shop early online to get deals, then avoid stores to prevent impulse buys.
- Use cash only when shopping to curb overspending beyond budget.
- Create homemade gift wrap, Christmas cards and décor using recycled paper and items.
- Take advantage of post-holiday season sales to get Christmas decorations and some gifts at low prices.
Get Your Holiday Season Finances Ready!
With a bit of extra hustle, smart strategies, and some restraint, you can pad your Christmas budget in 30 days or less.
Follow quick and easy gift buying and money saving tips suitable for your situation, and you’ll be financially ready to enjoy the gifts, food, and holiday cheer with less money stress or credit card debt when Christmas morning arrives.
