Your credit card balance is increasing and your receipts are piling up because of the holidays. It’s the time of the year everyone expects to drop hundreds of dollars. But Coupons.com Household Savings Expert, Jeanette Pavini, is back with some holiday tips on when to save during the holidays and when it’s worth splurging.
Be Internet-Friendly
Skip the lines at Best Buy and don’t buy any holiday cds. Instead, there are free online services that’ll let you customize a holiday-themed station. Or there’s always the radio. Plenty of stations are blaring out holiday music the closer it gets to Christmas.
Save some trees and send e-cards to family and friends. It’ll help the environment and save your hand from writing cramps. There are plenty of coupon sites likeCcoupons.com that offer free shipping or money for online orders. “Coupons.com now features codes from RetailMeNot.com,” according to Pavini.
Serve Less Food
Instead of that 5-course meal for your holiday party, “opt for a cocktail party with appetizers and desserts,” Pavini suggests. And instead of that pricey bottle of Merlot, go for less expensive bottle and serve it from a wine decanter to give it a more sophisticated look.
Be Creative
Go old school on your wrapping paper. Use the comics section of the newspaper or plain white paper you can let your kids go at with some crayons. Instead of spending money on decorations and centerpieces, Pavini suggests using branches from your tree, pomegranates, cranberries and hazelnuts. Or, you can fill a vase with colorful ornaments.
Be a Savvy Shopper
Want to get mom that designer bag she’s been hoping for? Shop resale. “You can find slightly worn and even new designer gowns, dresses and even men’s suits at resale shops for 10% of the retail cost,” Pavini said.
When grocery shopping, compare the circulars to different stores to get the best deal. Use your coupons to save even more! And to really save, keep your receipts, Pavini advises. Many stores offer 10-14 days for price adjustments so you could get some money back on your gifts.
While these are areas you can skimp on, there are some things that deserve splurging around the holidays.
Electronics
Paying a bit more to get the better product is a way to go with gadgets, according to Pavini. “Usually these items are an investment and it’s worth it to pay more to get the best.” If your electronic is a new item, splurge for the extended warranty, Pavini said. As long as it’s not more than 10% of the purchase price.
Jewelry/Cosmetics
Like electronics, jewelry is an investment, Pavini said. If there isn’t a big price difference, “go for the better quality.” Cosmetic lines offer plenty of free gifts with purchases around the holidays. “So splurge on that $20 lipstick that you love if it comes with lots of free gifts,” Pavini suggests.
Main Course
Save on the side dishes, but always splurge on the main course. “Buy the best cut of meat for you holiday dinner,” Pavini said, and cut corners on the rest.
Photographs
Getting a family portrait or photos of the kids taken? A photographer who understands lighting and can guarantee you the best picture is well-worth the price.
Safety
Skip the dollar store for toys. Spending a few extra dollars for toys that are lead-ridden or won’t fall apart is worth the price.
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