It’s that time of the year when festivities are lined up, the office is finally taking a back seat, joyous times with loved ones are being looked forward to, and splurging on gifts is on the itinerary! But is it really wise to whisk off your hard-earned money, when in this day and age of online shopping, you can have the best of both worlds- fun-filled shopping and unlimited savings! Here are 10 superb ways to get you going:-
- Charting out a Purchase List with Budget
Rather than on-the-spur purchases, try implementing a planned approach as far as holiday season shopping is concerned. You’ll come across several free online budgeting tools, or you can simply jot down the approximate amount you wish to spend in total. Then make a purchase list (with say, names of people you want to buy gifts for, or party favors for the New Year’s Bash you’re hosting, the activities you’re looking forward to if you’re opting for a travel package etc), and thereon jot down individual figures on an average, keeping in mind the total spending limit!
- Use Online Coupons
Online Coupons enhance your shopping experience with amazing discounts, super-saver deals and irresistible offers. And the best part about them is that they’re highly dynamic. So there’s a whole range of diverse offerings in store for you at any given point of time. Just make sure you opt for a renowned, trustworthy coupons site. Frugaa is one such online venue where frugal living is feasible, convenient and in fact alluring!
- Compare Prices
Don’t blindly log on to your favorite e-commerce site and start shopping! Especially when it comes to large-scale purchases like electronics, home appliances, flight and hotel deals, jewelry etc, always carry out a comparative survey of the prices being offered, at least 2 to 3 days prior to when you wish to make the purchase.
- Hold your reins till the end of the season!
If you enjoy the sheer thrill and excitement of going on a shopping spree, indulge your passion during the ‘end of season sale’! Most online sellers dish out unbelievable discounts at the end of the season, when they primarily want to clear off stock before the new season comes in.
- Brand Name versus Value for Money
In the constant tug-of-war between brand name and value-for-money, it’s the latter that goes easier on your pocket. So try and strike a balance between your fascination for big brands and your spending limit.
- Use Thrift Stores
Don’t grimace! Online thrift stores are the ‘in’ thing now, and most of the stuff you get here is as good as new, for slashed prices. Plus you’re contributing towards a noble cause, which makes your shopping experience all the more fulfilling!
- Frugal Living
For those who’ve never heard of frugal living, it simply means cutting down on lavish, unnecessary expenses (like crystal ware or imported chocolates) and saving to spend where necessary- gifts that are practical and useful for yourself and your loved ones.
- Sign up for Newsletters
If there’re a particular range of online stores and coupon sites that you find alluring, just sign up for their newsletters. This way, you’ll be amongst the first to be privy to their limited period offers and latest deals!
With a little knowledge, judicious approach and choice of trustworthy sites, you can revel in the joy of a budget-friendly, yet highly satisfying shopping experience this New Year!
Always use online coupons! It amazes me how many people don’t realize these exist. It’s such an easy way to save money.
Michelle recently posted…Pay Yourself First – How This Simple Trick Can Help You Save More
Huh, I’d never heard of online thrift stores. I’ll have to look into that. I personally just slavishly adore cash back sites. They’ll also give you a set of online coupons, so it’s a two-fer.
Abigail @ipickuppennies recently posted…When discount GCs bite you in the ass
I love combining some of these methods! Wait till the end of the season, compare prices, then shop with your coupons! 🙂
Heather @ Simply Save recently posted…Read My Own Damn Books
Signing up for newsletters is hard because while they do save you money with coupons and sale notifications, those same things can end up making you spend more money sometimes too.
Cat@BudgetBlonde recently posted…How These 12 Incredibly Successful Mompreneurs Make It Work
Good points towards having a plan for shopping in the holidays. I use online codes as well when I can remember. It is imperative to use any tools in your favor. Good luck and happy holidays.
EL @ Moneywatch101 recently posted…The Last 300 Hundred Dollars Christmas Edition