Finances & Money

5 Clever Tips To Save on Large Holiday Purchases

Given the current situation of inflation and economic uncertainty in the air, saving money this holiday season has never been more important to one’s personal finances. To make the most of your holiday budget (you do have a budget, right?), here are five clever tips to save on large holiday purchases.

Sales and Clearance

First and most obvious, take maximum advantage of holiday sales and promotions. Research and compare prices between stores (offline and online) to find the best sales and discount prices offered. It’s definitely worth the effort. Buying items that are on clearance is another great way to get what you want at a fraction of the cost.

Buy in Bulk

Another great way to save on large holiday purchases is to buy in bulk. If you know you need a lot of holiday items, buying in bulk can save you money. Many stores offer discounts when buying in volume, so this is a great way to save money. This can particularly help you get a better deal when shopping for items such as food and decorations.

Coupons and Promo Codes

Apply coupons and promo codes (for online purchases) on your purchases whenever possible. This can help you save a significant amount of money on your purchases. Also, don’t forget to look into websites such as Groupon and Living Social to find deep discounts as well.

Negotiate

Don’t be afraid to haggle. Many stores are willing to negotiate prices, so it’s always worth asking. Negotiate  with the seller for a better price when there’s a holiday item you really want but it’s priced a bit high.  Simply ask for a discount, and you may be surprised at  how much you can save.

Shop Early

Try to shop early in the season. This will allow you to take advantage of early bird sales and specials. Shopping early also helps to avoid the rush and the higher prices that come with it. By starting your holiday shopping early, you are more likely  to find what you’re looking for, as many last minute gift shoppers find what they are seeking is sold out or not discounted.

Bonus Tip!

Consider using a layaway or payment plan to spread out the cost of your purchase over the next several months. If possible, take advantage of zero interest financing offers to avoid the expense of paying interest. While it may not save much money, it will help lessen the financial pain with the start of the new year.

You can combine the above tips for greater savings. For example, you can save money by negotiating a better price when buying in bulk from a seller early in the holiday season. By being a savvy shopper and following these clever tips to save on large holiday purchases, you will stretch your gift-giving dollar and lessen inflation’s impact on your personal finances.

Read More:

4 Things You Should Always Buy in Bulk

Investing Money in Stocks: Can It Really Help You Earn an Income?

‘Tis the Season to Start Saving

John Marsicek

John is a freelance B2B writer, investor, and blogger. A large part of his writing experience has been as a writer/designer in the training department of a large regional retailer based in Portland, Oregon. He currently resides in the other Vancouver (in Washington state) with his wife and two pet dwarf rabbits.