Shopping on impulse, shopping to excess, going into debt becomes the downside remnants which plagues the busy holiday season. We all go into spend mode as soon as the days become filled with the seductive Christmas music in the department stores, which lures you into a trance to start spending money.
So it’s always best to have a game plan, to begin thinking about how you’ll approach your spending, refining your shopping techniques for the upcoming holiday season.
What needs to be made is a pledge of not making the same mistakes as the previous years, which is to overspend, over excess, and go into debt.
What’s also feared is standing in those long lineups at the last minute, fighting the crowds, potentially getting trampled by rampant shoppers, as we battle to get that last discounted product.
So instead, why not take a calmer smarter approach when it comes to holiday shopping this year.
Smarter Holiday Shopping
Adhere to the following holiday shopping tips, otherwise the consequences suffered will be spending too much money, higher credit card debt, needing to fight through the ravaging insane crowds, outrageous lineups, and poor product inventory.
Always Pay With Cash
What using cash does is it forces you to stay within your budget. This also means not using your debit card. Withdraw the money that you need and don’t spend beyond it.
Set limits, and once the cash is gone, then the gift buying is done. Doing so takes discipline, but if you’ve reserved $200 for gifts, then don’t go over and spend $201.
Don’t get seduced by the Christmas lights and music, the big red “On Sale” signs, and other shoppers carrying big shopping bags. Stay within your budget and pay cash.
Remain Patient
Things will become hectic while shopping, so calm down and be patient. Take a book or your tablet with you. Leave the kids at home since they’ll just add to the anxiety. Take a deep breath, don’t push or get pushed, just get what you need on your list, and leave.
Start Your Shopping Earlier
Try to beat the last minute shoppers by starting your shopping earlier in the season, and just get it out of the way. Most will wait until the last moment to begin their holiday shopping.
So start in advance, the stores won’t be overcrowded while no one is really thinking about their holiday shopping yet. At times, the prices for the in-demand products will be lower as well.
Buy More Creative Less Expensive Gifts
Not everyone is creative, but think out of the box. Instead of individual gifts, why not buy a couple of group gifts for the entire family. This way, you’ll definitely save money.
This could be a TV or a computer, a gift basket, etc. Doing so would be different, usually less expensive than individual gifting.
Have A Game Plan
To get all those “must have” but hard to find popular items, you need to create a good game plan. Take into account the availability of the items, the cost, and where the items are available.
Never leave your home without a plan outlining exactly where you’re going, which gifts you’re going to purchase, how much they cost, and what the alternate gift selections are.
Shop Safely
Be safe, because of the hectic crowds, watch and protect your personal belongings, which includes your handbags, purchases, and kids. Pay particular attention when at the register, in the parking lot, or when waiting for public transportation.
There are always stories of vehicles being vandalized and all their gifts being stolen from their cars. Don’t allow this to happen to you. Be a safe shopper!
Look For Bargains
Such as at the outlet malls on the outskirts of town, as they usually have better prices and less crowds. You’ll need transportation to get there, but the lower prices are usually worth the drive.
What most will do is head to the mall, determined to fight through the crowds, while usually overlooking the feasibility and the lower prices of these outlet malls.
There are usually better bargains on most often upscale designer merchandise, which can be unique discontinued items that anyone would appreciate receiving as a gift.
These various outlet malls also usually features retailers for the entire family, as well as attractions such as movie theaters to give you and your kids a break.
Avoid The Big Crowds
Decide to go shopping earlier in the day as soon as the stores open, first thing on a Monday morning, will help you avoid the bigger crowds. Most shop on the weekends, as they dare to rush to the malls on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Just avoid them.
Or decide to shop later in the evening as most stores will have extended holiday hours. The majority of people will be famished by this time, and likely be at home resting. Doing so will work in your favor, as select times in the early mornings or late at night will avoid the crowds.
Prepare By Staying Alert
The holidays are the most hectic time of the year. With all the parties and events, the gift buying is usually placed on the back burner or avoided. Then the stress sets in, you begin to panic, get tired and begin to overspend.
There’s nothing worse than going shopping and then running out of steam. So an important part of your holiday shopping strategy should be preparing to get plenty of rest and not get exhausted.
So get a good nights sleep, and get a fresh start in the morning by wearing comfortable shoes and a gift buying shopping list. Since shopping can become hectic especially when shopping with others, go alone.
Avoid shopping to exhaustion until the stores close, waiting for and grabbing that last bargain off the rack, fighting and shoving others. Prepare yourself by getting plenty of rest with a plan of attack.