Your 2020 Holiday Planning Guide: 7 Tips to Save Money

From Black Friday through New Year’s, the holidays are the busiest shopping season of the entire year. Companies advertise like crazy, items go on sale, e-commerce traffic is through the roof and stores stay open late. Family and friends have the opportunity to surprise each other with gifts and spread some joy around, which is needed now more than ever.

The holidays can also be a rough time for your wallet. Many of us associate value with a price tag and try to bring home the nicest things for our loved ones. With all the deals and shopping opportunities thrown our way, it’s easy to spend more than we should which is what happens all too often.

Becoming a better holiday shopper doesn’t mean you can’t get what you want; it means there’s a smarter way to do it. Here are some tips to help you save money this holiday season.

1. Shop With Acima

Messy credit situations and big price tags can scare you away from getting what you want during the holidays. Acima offers lease-to-own agreements* for all kinds of name-brand items, allowing you to take home what you want, when you want them. Save the big upfront purchase and pay as you go instead, with the option to own everything on your list after making all of your lease payments.

Simply find a participating retailer in your area with our Store Locator. Knock out a quick application, get approved for up to $4,000 and take home your gifts the same day.

All without credit*. None at all.

2. Make a Budget

Knowing just how much money you have to work with can be the difference between overspending or not. Take the time to plan this out your wallet will thank you for it

It’s probably best to cover all of your gifts with what you have on hand, but we understand that isn’t always possible. Keep an eye on the budget you’ve set for yourself and avoid spending an amount that you can’t fully repay.

3. Make a List

Only makes sense, right? After you know your budget, you can lay out your list of gifts and even organize them by price, family member or in whatever order you see fit. This will help you stay the course and further prevent overspending.

4. Compare Prices

This may take some extra time and effort, but it’s worth it if you end up saving money. See what different stores and merchants are charging for similar products, then go with the best deal for your desired gifts. Keeping cash in your pocket is worth the hassle!

5. Avoid Impulse Purchase

Sometimes, an ad or sale sign will catch you when emotions and spirits are high. Maybe you feel like you have to have a particular item right now. Maybe you feel like you’re running out of time to shop. Regardless, try your best to stick to your budget and follow a plan.

Impulse buys can be a tough urge to resist, but it is possible!

6. Keep Receipts

In general, this is a great habit to practice regardless of the season. Keeping a record of your expenses can be a pain, but you never know when you’ll need to check something important down the road.

As it relates to holiday shopping, we can think of a bunch of reasons to keep your receipts: the shirt you bought is too small, a family member hates the color of those shoes, a piece of tech isn’t working straight out of the package we can go on and on. Trust us on this one.

7. Buy at the Right Time

Sometimes, knowing when to shop can be just as crucial as knowing where to shop. Keep an eye out for additional sales and deals that pop up after major spending days, such as Cyber Monday after Black Friday.

Retailers love to mark down merchandise after the holiday to clear out inventory and sell newer items for the next year. One idea is surprising loved ones with a gift at Christmas that maybe “hasn’t quite come in yet.” This gift can then be purchased and/or delivered shortly after the holidays, finding its way to your home all the same.

This plan can be especially beneficial with those bigger purchases, like electronics, appliances, furniture, automobiles and more. It may not be what you had in mind, but it’ll be sure to help keep you under budget!

Shop Away!

Now that you know these tips, it’s time to shop. Keep them in mind, use them to your advantage and they’ll be your best friend for smart holiday shopping. Saving money on your wishlist is possible.

Happy Holidays!