5 Ways To Save During The Holidaze

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Between shopping for family, that significant other or simply yourself-let’s face it. You are spending more money than you typically would during the months leading up to the holidays. And that’s why it’s so important to SAVE while you spend!

This year has been different than the previous years I’ve celebrated Christmas because I now have a full time j-o-b. Yep. It’s pretty liberating. I can now afford to buy things I couldn’t afford as an intern, bartender or babysitter. While I haven’t quite graduated to a brand new pair of red bottoms or a nice big Louis, I can afford to give nice gifts, donate to charity and go a little over board at the shops this year.

Although my budget has expanded, I still enjoy saving a buck. Because the more doll hairs saved-the more I have leftover to spend! So I’ve compiled a conservative list of what I do to try and save a few during the holiday spending craze.

#1- | sign up at your favorite stores |

What’s better than getting a great deal on that one must-have thing you’ve been eyeing the past couple of months? You’re right: nothing. Imagine living in a world where your favorite store in the world knows you, your name, your birthday and your email address. And as soon as you sign up for their email list, rewards program or credit card with points and coupons, you are instantly VIP. This tactic works best for stores you can find in any city that has a population greater than 200,000 people, i.e. Banana Republic, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Express, Nordstrom, Bath & Body Works, Macy’s and more. For the smaller boutiques? Get on their email list and ask how you can be first to learn about sales or promotions. Most stores are more than happy to tell you how you can buy more from them.

#2- | follow/like your favorite stores |

For the social media savvy brands, it is imperative that you find them on Facebook and Twitter. Stores will post what’s new, what’s on sale and often times coupons exclusively for their followers. Find freebies and coupons for many restaurants and bars by checking in on Yelp during your visit.

#3- | use your credit card & save |

Whether your card earns you cash back or travel points-use the card that gives some sort of return. Before I go any further I must disclaim this tactic: **you must be responsible and aware of your current financial situation before you go buck wild with the plastic.** Before using a credit card, it’s crucial to be aware of your current bank situation. Never spend more than what you currently have in the bank. Ever. If you trust yourself, it’s the best and easiest way to save money. I used to use the Bank Of America cash rewards card where I earned 1-3% cash back on all purchases. I recently switched to the Southwest Airlines card where I earn flight points on every purchase I make. Plus I earned TWO free, roundtrip flights- just for signing up! Hello free VACAY!

#4- | stop acting like you’re too good for Black Friday |

I get it. Nothing sounds more appalling than being trampled in a line 500 people deep just to save a couple bucks. But I have to tell you my Black Friday experience this year was far from appalling. And there are a few reasons why. 1-I avoided the larger, traditional stores like Best Buy, Target and Walmart. 2-more people than ever before are using the internet to get their shopping done early, and many stores have paid attention to this. Many deals offered in stores were also available online. 2.5- Cyber Monday has taken a slice of the black friday pie, leaving a portion of the regular crowd satisfied behind a screen. 3- Black Friday has snuck its way into Thanksgiving Thursday. I always thought the idea of shopping during the evening of a holiday you are supposed to be spending quality time with your family was a bit outrageous. But this year, I found myself with time to spare. I spent time with family, caught the cowboys game, and instead of going into a second food coma for dinner-I went shopping. What I found was shocking: no crazy lines, no stampedes, no fights. I got what I wanted without being pushed, breathed on or hassled. It was awesome. Some of my favorite finds?

  • Warm, soft, text friendly gloves- $4
  • Navy blue with pin stripe sleeve blazer $84.95: $24.95
  • Stainless steel crockpot- $8
  • Bluetooth speaker bar- $40
  • Francescas- 30% off entire store
  • Nike frees- 20% off
  • Banana Republic- 50% off

#5 | Post-Christmas Shopping |

Every year I save half of my Christmas shopping money for the day after Christmas. This is another AMAZING time to save on things you’ve been eyeing-especially boots, sweaters, coats and any other winter related item. I think the dumbest thing you can do is pay full price for something that you know costs a tenth of what it’s being retailed for. Be patient and WAIT. Fashion trends don’t change as rapidly as the advertisers would like you to believe. One of the biggest strategies marketers use is the fear of loss. That jacket will not look any different than it did full price than it does at the end of December at half the price. And it will look amazing for the next five winter season to come. Don’t get me wrong. This is always HARD for me {as impatient as I am}. But I also have no patience for wasting money on something I know will go on sale.

In short, more money saved=more opportunity to max out your shopping potential. Pick a budget, follow the money saving tips above, and happy shopping!

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