10 Holiday Savings Tips Every Family Needs to Know

Whether you have a large family or you’re just starting money, savings tips can be a life changer. Over the years, I’ve learned how to budget and really stretch our dollars. I’ve also learned what can make and break relationships regarding money. The bottom line is you can have thousands in your savings account or be a young family just starting out everyone can benefit from great financial advice.
These 10 holiday savings tips can help every family.

How to Save Money During the Holidays

10 Holiday Savings Tips Every Family Needs to Know

As the holidays are quickly approaching, let’s face it – it can be a stressful time of year for moms as we race to buy gifts for our loved ones on the limited budgets that come with modern family life. Buying presents can easily add up and wreak havoc on your bank account or credit card limits if you don’t plan ahead!

But being savvy doesn’t have to take all the fun out of shopping this season. In this blog post, I’ll offer some top-notch holiday savings tips so you can make intelligent decisions about spending while still having an enjoyable and merry holiday experience!

When you have a large family like us, the holidays can sometimes be filled with anxiety.

The dreaded questions … How much will we need? How much can we save? What’s on everyone’s wish list?

And if you don’t have a large family, you probably have the same questions. It seems like this time of year, everyone has someone they are buying for.

Communication is the key to a great relationship so make it a point to connect

Take 30 minutes every week to chat about budgeting and finance. Whether it’s around the holidays or not, money is usually a major topic that comes up in relationships.

Be honest and open with each other so you can maintain the same financial goals.

According to the second annual TD Bank Love & Money survey, couples who talk about money at least once a week say they are happier (78 %), than those who discuss money less than every few months (50 %).

Set up a Budget and Stick to it.

This is so hard sometimes… I know, I want that Caramel Latte sometimes too. An occasional splurge won’t ruin your goals but an everyday splurge will. So be conscious about where your money is going.

Make a Gift List

I’m a list person. I have so many lists going on in my life, but they can be so helpful.

In fact, I’m including a free printable for you to use for your holiday gifts. This is a great place to start getting on track and knowing what you need. Write everyone that you want to give a gift to down, make sure you take the list with you, and check them off as you buy.

This helps with overspending and buying unnecessary gifts.

Look for the Sales

Be smart about where your money is going. Look on the internet and in flyers to see where the deals are. Stores usually have a lot of weekend specials and sales before and after holidays. Shop the sales.

Start Shopping Early

If you already have a budget you are working with you can buy things on sale throughout the year.

Pay with Cash

You will be a lot less likely to overspend if you have to pull out cash every time you pay. This will help you the most after the holidays because you won’t have big credit card bills to pay off.

Give Homemade Gifts

Homemade gifts are the best! Wouldn’t you instead get a thoughtful gift made just for you rather than a Gift Card to a random place to buy stuff you probably don’t even need?

Think about whipping up a batch or 3 of your favorite homemade cookies. Divide them up and go deliver them to friends.

And homemade gifts for kids are easy and so much cooler.

Try a sensory play kit filled with homemade play dough and fun cookie cutters or things found in nature (acorns, pine cones, rocks)

If you have a little scientist or engineer to buy for, put together a little tinker kit (raid your toolbox or crafts stash), Nuts, bolts, paper clips, pipe cleaners, beads, ribbon, popsicle sticks… Kids love to build and tinker.

Free Holiday Activities Rock!

Be creative… think outside the box when it comes to family fun.

Go on a holiday scavenger hunt

Head out to enjoy all of the Christmas lights

Make Hot Chocolate and snuggle up for a family movie

Give the Gift of Time

You probably don’t remember many of your gifts over the years, but what you do remember is the wonderful moments that you’ve shared with the ones you love.

Spending time and enjoying activities together is really what brings everyone happiness. So instead of looking for the perfect gift just enjoy being together.

Great conversation around the table with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate can make everyone’s day.

Help out at Church together

Visit a nursing home nearby

Be a Secret Santa together and drop off cookies

Donate your time together at a soup kitchen

These are just a few great examples.

Give Yourself a Break

The holidays are supposed to be a time of great joy. It is a time of coming together with family and friends. It’s not about the stuff that is given it’s about the memories that we make. Don’t let money steal your joy this holiday season or anytime throughout the year. These holiday savings tips can help you to have the best holiday ever.

Get a plan in place and work it out. You got this!