Catch me tomorrow morning on WTHR Weekend Sunrise at 7:45 AM! Here’s a sneak peek of some of the money saving tips I’ll share.
Ho, Ho, Ho are probably words you’re not thinking about this month {unless perhaps you’ve made a trip to Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN}. But believe it or not, in a few short months everyone will be in a panic because just like every year before it, December 25th is always on your calendar. Right now, is the perfect time to begin thinking about Christmas. You may be sitting in your shades around the pool but that doesn’t mean you can’t begin budgeting and saving money when it comes to Christmas.
1) Set a Budget. Exactly how much are you going to spend this year? Now is the absolute best time to set your budget for not only gift giving but also things like decor, food, and parties. Let’s face it, December and even November are too late when emotions and holiday sentiment are running high. You have some distance between now and the Christmas season and that hopefully will help you get a good plan outlined in your mind.
2) Look for Decor Deals Online Now. I just found a few Christmas items on Dayspring’s site last week that I picked up for this year. Trolling Amazon and sites like Dayspring right now might not be a bad item. Last year’s clearance items may not be in store any longer, but you’ll still find them online. Keep an eye peeled for items like Christmas cards, tree ornaments, and simple Christmas themed gifts. Again, set a budget BEFORE you begin looking {or you will be tempted to purchase way more than you need}. When the items arrive, be sure to store them somewhere where they won’t be forgotten.
3) Begin Homemade Projects Now. Your time is just as valuable as your cold hard cash. And somehow, in December the hours seems shorter. So if you’re going to make any gifts this year, begin today. Even if it’s just finding your recipes and gathering non-perishable ingredients you can have a headstart and save yourself unnecessary trips to the store during December {when there are SO many “extras” in the aisles that jump into your cart anytime you’re in the store}.
4) Beach Items for Your Christmas Holiday. We’re coming to the end of swimsuit season. The sand toys will all be 75% off soon. If you typically travel during the Christmas holidays, buy the items you’ll need for those journeys now {or in a couple of weeks}. Swimsuits and warm weather clothes & toys will all be extremely cheap in August but cost a fortune during the winter. Pick up the clearance sunblock, swim diapers, goggles, & beach towels now for your winter adventures.
5) Buy What You Can Now. Many of you shop all year long for Christmas. It might not be a bad idea to begin your shopping now {after you set your budget of course}. I’d highly recommend a fun trip to the outlet mall to snag bargains. Again, decide how much you’re going to spend before you leave and take cash to hold you to that boundary. Be sure you have a place to store your bargain gift finds, and see if you can use a coupons on top of you outlet deals {places like the Children’s Place do take coupons even at the outlet}. Most of all, you HAVE to know where you’ve hidden your gifts. Plus, hit the Back to School sales {we’ll talk more about those next week} to get items like crayons & crafty supplies super cheap for stocking stuffers!
I’m not big on Christmas in July sales {typically they’re all gimmick and not much in the savings department} but I do think you should start planning for Christmas now. Don’t be surprised that December 25th is a big holiday. Be intentional with every dollar and hour.
*This post contains affiliate links. So while you score a great deal on Amazon, you also help the Royal Family pay off the mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you.
