Expert Saving Tips | 5 Easy Ways to Save This Holiday

When it comes to saving money, it's rewarding to have the financial advantage of learning how to get the most for our money from those "in-the-know". As we return to a somewhat more “normal” holiday season this year, many of us will find ourselves attending more festivities, throwing more get-togethers, and even hosting more out-of-town guests in our homes. Throw in the increasing concerns with rising inflation rates, and as a result - we may be a little more stressed about our budgets this year compared to last year – when many gatherings were downsized or cancelled altogether due to the pre-vaccine pandemic. Decking the halls and spreading holiday cheer can come with a hefty price tag. But not to despair – there are ways to keep more money in your pocket, and fewer charges on those credit cards! Here are five easy tips to help you get through the most expensive season from Savings Expert for Coupons.com Lisa Thompson.

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Expert Saving Tips | 5 Easy Ways to Save This Holiday

Lisa Thompson, Featured Contributor

Holiday Budget Tips from Coupons.com

 

1- Refuse to pay full price. For anything! At least, if you can help it. For items like gifts, décor, and party supplies, always check for coupon codes and cash back offers first. You may be able to find the exact same item for the same price at two retailers—but if one retailer offers a coupon code for 15% off or 10% cash back, buy from the retailer where you will receive the most savings. From now until the end of the year, you’ll most likely be grocery shopping a little more than usual. Always use coupons and cash back offers for food items, starting with Coupons.com, both the website and the mobile app. If you prefer printed coupons, use the website. If you want to go digital (and honestly, we recommend it because it’s less of a hassle and your offers are always right where you want them – on your phone), use the Coupons.com app. Simply tap the cash back offers you want to use in the app, buy your items, then submit your receipt and watch your cash back roll into your PayPal account. It’s that easy. 

2- Pair sales with coupons. For an even bigger bang for your buck, plan your meal menus around your favorite sales, either online or in-store, then pair coupons and cash back offers to really cut down on your grocery bill. For example, you’re going to see a lot of turkeys and hams for sale, now and through the end of the year. Why not stock up by buying a few to freeze to use even after the holidays - especially if you’re getting great deals! Think ahead and get creative: turkey enchiladas, turkey soup, turkey wraps, ham and potato bakes, ham and cheese omelets . . . you get the picture!

3- Be bold enough to say, “Yes – You can bring something!” Encourage your guests to bring their favorite bottle of wine or a signature side dish. Accept offers from your guests that will help cut down on your overall hosting expenses. Even suggest to your friends great deals you spot in store or on the Coupons.com app to let them know you don’t expect them to blow their budget either. If you really want to involve the masses, throw a good old potluck with a twist: Have everyone bring a dish with copies of the recipe to share.

4- Look for deals from food delivery services. Do you use Instacart? Uber Eats? DoorDash (they’ve expanded to groceries)? You can order groceries for delivery with apps like these, that will often send you promo codes for dollars off your purchase, then use Coupons.com cash back offers also to save on specific items. You can redeem Coupons.com cash back offers anywhere you shop, either online or in-store – as long as you have an itemized receipt.

5- Think outside the (gift) box. Sure, it’s easy to go online and start ordering gifts for everyone on your list. But that can get expensive. Get creative and personable by perusing the grocery store for items that you can buy to create a gift basket. Let’s say your friend is a movie buff: Buy a big bowl and fill it with their favorite popcorn, a few bottles of her favorite beverage, oversized boxes of treats, and some fun popcorn seasonings, maybe even a bottle of wine, and a Netflix gift card. These are all items you know she’ll use, and it says “I know what you love,” and the best part for you—you get to save on all those grocery items with coupons and offers. 

As the owner of the digital content published by Creative Learning Center Studios, I am compensated to provide my opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. This content may contain affiliate links. Even though, as the writer/owner of this blog receiving compensation for posts or advertisements, I will always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs or experiences on those topics or products. This content abides by word of mouth marketing standards. I believe in the honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party in question.