How can YOU save on holiday shopping this year?
If you’re worried about making it through the holiday shopping season during record inflation, you’re not alone. With some careful planning, though, you can enjoy stress-free holiday shopping.
Here are seven easy ways you can save:
Shop early
Experts are urging shoppers to hit the stores earlier than normal this year to take advantage of early-season sales. Many big-box stores are struggling with a supply surplus thanks to an inflation-triggered decline in demand. This will likely lead to sales events to make room for more current inventory. Shop these sales for big savings.
Set a budget
Before you start shopping, build a reasonable budget for your holiday shopping. Make your budget easier to keep by allocating a specific amount for every gift, shopping with cash and/or reviewing your budget often.
Shop with a list
Instead of blindly hitting the stores, make a list of every gift to buy for friends and family. You’ll be far more likely to stay within budget when your purchases are pre-planned.
Think outside the box
If ever there was a holiday season to get creative with gifting, this is it. Retail inventories are full of products that were backed up during the post-pandemic supply-chain disaster. Think furniture, home decor and more. While these items may not be typical holiday gifts, there’s no real reason you can’t delight a loved one with a new office chair, exercise bike or coffee organizing station.
Give gift cards
Protect your gift list against inflation by giving a CSE gift card. Gift cards are easy to budget for and appreciated by the receiver.
Use apps, your BlueRoof Solutions® Rewards Credit Card, or apply for a Holiday Loan to save
In 2022, there are many apps to help you spend less on your shopping and even put money back into your pocket. Try coupon-scanning apps like Honey, cash-back apps like Ibotta: Save & Earn Cash Back and points apps like Drop: Shopping & Cash Back App to save this season.
Use the money-saving tips offered here to shop for the holidays without breaking your budget.
Members can also earn points and save by utilizing their BlueRoof Solutions® Rewards Credit Card. When making a purchase, you can earn cash back, airfare merchant gift cards, and more through uChoose Rewards®. Visit csefcu.org/credit-cards to learn more today!
Another option is to apply for our Holiday Helper Loan at csefcu.org/consumer-loans. CSE’s Holiday Helper Loan is a great way to give yourself a little boost during the rush of the season. If you are concerned about missing out on great deals or not having the money all at once, a Holiday Helper Loan can help you not miss out on great deals due to lack of cash. And with a fixed 12-month payment plan, you know exactly what to expect.