This time of year is a danger period for spending, as you treat yourself, your loved ones, and retailers entice you with “unbeatable” deals. But if you have a plan, a budget in place and the determination to stick to it, you can enjoy your holiday season without dipping into your savings.
These practical tips can help you save money.
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Join VodaPay If you’ve not joined SA’s newest super app, VodaPay, we highly recommend that you click here to download it today! Why VodaPay? The app is a digital mall with some of the biggest brands in the country. An added bonus is the daily deals starting from as little as R1 from a variety of your favourite brands, such as Planet 54, Hannah Lavery, and Makro. You get to save on festive gifts, groceries, the latest summer clothes, and much more.
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Draw up a budget and stick to it. Before splurging on gifts, shopping sprees and eating out, decide how much you want to spend and on what. Your budget should also include your expenses and unexpected costs you may incur during the season. Remember, your budget must be realistic, otherwise you’ll end up abandoning it.
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Leave your credit card at home. Shopping with a credit card can tempt you to spend more than you can afford. To save yourself from high interest rates, rather leave it at home and use cash instead. This makes it easier for you to track your spending.
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Don’t splurge on presents. Spoiling your loved ones shouldn’t empty your savings account. Instead of buying pricey gifts, choose meaningful and thoughtful ones. These could include homemade cards, bath bombs, candles, or reasonably priced gadgets, such as phone accessories or other useful gadgets. Click here for more homemade gift ideas.
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Make a shopping list. This is key to save money, time and energy. When you’ve planned thoroughly for whom and what you’re shopping, you’re less tempted to add unnecessary items to your trolley.
Keep in mind that the holiday spirit passes as quickly as it arrived. So the best way to save money is to plan ahead and be disciplined with your budget. By spending cautiously, you’ll spare yourself from having a “Janu-worry” the following year!
