Post-Thanksgiving Holiday Shopping Tips

As we enter the post-Thanksgiving holiday season, I was thinking about what I am thankful for.  In addition to good health, my family, and friends, I am thankful to “The Wave” for giving me the opportunity to create “The Financial Wave” column back on May 1st, 2020! 

I saw a piece on the news this week that people are feeling pressure to spend money on holiday gifts.  Chanukah starts this weekend and Christmas is right around the corner.  Heed these 7 tips to save $$$ and reduce holiday shopping stress this season:

  1. Start Your Holiday Shopping Now: There is a saying “Action Diffuses Anxiety!”  Getting into action and knocking off items on your list now will reduce your stress levels.  Also, due to product shortages and issues with standard mail, it is wise to commence now.
  2. JoinHoney.com: On your IPAD, desktop or laptop, click on www.JoinHoney.com (does not work on mobile phones) and add the extension to chrome.  Honey automatically (similar to Capital One and others) searches for the best prices and attaches coupons when you are at the checkout section while internet shopping.  This often can save you more money than using Amazon and Ebay.
  3. Make a Budget:  Budget “X” dollars per person and keep the list with you when you are shopping either online or in brick-and-mortar stores.  Sticking to your budget is just as important as crafting it!
  4. Points, Points, Points: Using points is a very good way to bring prices down.  Credit card points, Verizon, AARP and many other companies and retailers have point programs that can mitigate high pricing.
  5. Buy Hot Toys Early: Research shows that, unlike other items, prices (and availability) of toys are better the earlier you can buy them.
  6. Search Out Free Shipping: There is no reason to pay extra for shipping if you do not have to.  These savings can add up over multiple holiday gift purchases. 
  7. Consider Switching to a Secret Santa:  Years ago, during a family dinner, the topic of doing your own Christmas shopping came up.  When my mother estimated she was buying about 80% of all the family gifts, we decided to adopt the “Secret Santa” program for us adults.  The way this works is that each adult (we still spoil the kids) is assigned one other adult to buy for, with a maximum price cap. 

Last but not least, I would like to thank YOU, the loyal Wave subscribers and “Financial Wave” readers for your support! 

For those interested in being added to our monthly email list or if there are topics you are interested in learning about, by all means email me at [email protected].  Happy Holidays!!!