As the holiday season approaches, we moms know how expenses can quickly add up. From Christmas gifts to festive meals and family gatherings, December often becomes one of the most expensive months of the year. But don’t worry! With a little bit of planning and some smart money-saving strategies, you can ease the financial burden. Here are some quick ways to save this November so you’re more prepared to enjoy the holiday season in December.
1. Set a Holiday Budget Early
The first step to saving money is creating a clear budget for your holiday expenses. Take some time this November to list down the things you’ll need for December: gifts, food, decorations, and travel expenses. Having a budget in place allows you to allocate funds for each category and prevents overspending. Stick to your budget and prioritize only what you truly need.
2. Start Buying Gifts Early
One of the easiest ways to save money is by starting your Christmas shopping in November. This gives you more time to look for sales and discounts, instead of scrambling for last-minute deals in December when prices tend to go up. You can also take advantage of the 11.11 sales (Shopee and Lazada!) where you can score big discounts on a wide variety of items. Plus, by spreading out your purchases over two months, you avoid the big financial hit of doing all your shopping at once.
3. Cut Back on Non-Essential Spending
In November, take a closer look at your current spending habits. Are there any non-essential expenses that you can cut back on for the month? Maybe you can reduce your takeout meals, skip the online shopping for yourself, or hold off on some entertainment expenses. Small changes like brewing coffee at home instead of buying it daily or reducing subscription services can make a significant difference in your savings.
4. Take Advantage of Early Christmas Sales
November is full of pre-holiday sales, including the highly anticipated Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. These are great opportunities to snag discounts on gifts, decorations, and even household items you might need for December. Keep an eye out for promotions both online and in-store to get the best deals.
5. Use Rewards Points and Cashback Programs
Do you have rewards points accumulated from credit cards, grocery shopping, or apps like GCash and PayMaya? November is the perfect time to redeem those points for gifts or discounts. Cashback programs are also a fantastic way to save a little extra on your purchases. If you’re buying gifts or groceries, make sure to use platforms that offer cashback so you can get some money back with every purchase.
6. Plan Your Holiday Meals in Advance
Holiday meals are often a major expense, but planning them in advance can help you save money. Create a meal plan for your family gatherings and parties so you know exactly what ingredients you need to buy. This way, you avoid overbuying and wasting food. Additionally, you can look for deals and promos in supermarkets during November to stock up on non-perishable items like pasta, canned goods, and beverages that will be used for your holiday feasts.
7. Declutter and Sell Unused Items
November is also a great time to declutter your home and sell unused or gently-used items. Whether it’s clothing, toys, gadgets, or home decor, you can list these items on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Shopee, or Carousell. The extra cash you earn can go toward your holiday budget, and you’ll also be clearing up space in your home just in time for the new year.
8. DIY Christmas Decor
Instead of buying new decorations, get creative this year and try some DIY Christmas decor projects. Use old materials or inexpensive items like ribbons, paper, and twine to make your own wreaths, ornaments, and gift tags. There are plenty of DIY tutorials available online, and it’s a fun activity to do with the kids! Not only does this save money, but it also adds a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.
9. Organize a Potluck for Christmas Gatherings
Hosting a Christmas gathering can be expensive if you’re preparing all the food yourself. A great way to reduce the cost is by organizing a potluck where every guest brings a dish to share. This way, you spread out the expenses and effort, and you get to enjoy a variety of dishes without doing all the cooking yourself.
10. Avoid Impulse Buys
As tempting as it can be to buy every cute decoration or sale item you come across, remember to stick to your budget. November is filled with marketing messages encouraging impulse buying, so make it a habit to ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” before making a purchase. A little discipline now will go a long way in helping you save for December.
By following these quick and simple tips, you can build up your savings this November and enjoy a stress-free December without the financial strain. The holidays should be a time for joy and celebration, not for worrying about money, so start saving early and make the most out of the Christmas season!
Happy saving, mommies!
