Take The Stress Out Of Holiday Shopping
Posted on: 31 August 2015
Summer's barely out the door, but the holiday season will be here before you know it. If you've ever sworn that you'll get your act together and be prepared for the holidays early, there's no time like now to start. Here are some effective tips to help you take the stress out of holiday shopping so you can enjoy the season.
Make a list, and check it twice a year
If you have a lot of people to shop for, don't try to keep track of them by memory. Using an index card, make a list of everyone that you need to buy for. Do this as early in the year as possible. You can always add in names as you need to throughout the year. Beside each name, make a list of their clothing sizes and interests. If you don't know clothing sizes, either find out as early as possible, or just stick with listing interests for that person.
Every six months, update your list to reflect changes in interests or clothing sizes. You can add or subtract people, too, so you keep your list updated. Keep your list in your purse or wallet, so you'll be able to take advantage of sales throughout the year to get great gifts for everyone on your list.
Take advantage of sales all year long
If you wait until Christmas to do your shopping, you'll be battling it out with everyone else, trying to get a bargain. Instead, try to shop throughout the year. This is less stressful and easier on your wallet, since you won't have to spend a huge amount of money in a short period of time. Timing is crucial if you want to get the best deals, because some things, like electronics, are usually at their lowest price in early November, while toys really do hit their lowest prices just before Christmas.
Make a budget
If you really want to avoid the stress of holiday shopping, don't overspend. Credit cards seem like such a great idea when you're caught up in the Black Friday rush, but when the bill comes in January, you'll likely have a serious case of shopper's remorse. Whether you have to rely on credit, a payday loan or pay cash, making a budget will help you keep your spending in check and keep some of the holiday stress away.
Shop online
Much of the stress of holiday shopping can easily be attributed to the crowded stores and hectic traffic. Make it a point to do at least some, if not all, of your holiday gift shopping online. Many retailers offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount, so you can get your gifts delivered for the same price that you would have bought them in-store, and you won't have to battle the crowds to get what you want.
Borrow smartly
Many people find that, despite their best efforts, they still need to borrow some amount of money during the holiday season. While it may be tempting to use credit cards, these can also be a debt trap that's hard to escape. That low monthly payment is deceptively reassuring, and you could end up rolling over a balance for months, accruing lots of interest in the process.
Payday loans are short term loans, so you can use them for your holiday shopping, and have them paid off quickly with your post-holiday paycheck from your employer. These can be a great tool to help avoid keeping your debt hanging around for longer than necessary, and you may even be able to get one by applying online. Payday loans online are approved quickly and may be directly deposited to your bank account instantly. This means that if you see that must-have gift on sale while shopping online, you can buy it then and there, instead of waiting for payday to roll around. For more information, you can visit sites like http://money4youpaydayloans.com.
Use a little forward planning, shopping smarts and borrowing savvy, and you'll keep the holiday stress well under control so you can focus on enjoying the season.
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