Does anyone else think that Christmas gets more and more expensive with every year? Sure, there are outside factors like inflation, the exchange rate, and the fact that as kids get older, they tend to want more expensive loot. Think about it – during your little one’s first Christmas, it was probably all onesies, teething rings and flashy plastic games. Fast forward a few years and it’ll be the latest iPad, Xbox and a number of other electronics.
We all know that the season starts earlier and earlier – I saw my first Santa cameo before Halloween this year. But, maybe that isn’t a bad thing because it gives smart shoppers ample time to bargain-hunt. However, at this point, we’re getting down to crunch time. So, what are some things you can do to make sure you don’t break the bank when Christmas shopping?
[Tweet “4 ways to avoid breaking the bank this Christmas season #coupons #crafting #bargainshopping @SageOneNA”]
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Start early
I know, I know. I just acknowledged that it’s now nearly mid December and the time for taking it easy is over. But I can’t stress the importance enough, so just think about it next year. Actually, this sentiment can be followed now, just in a lighter version – start now, right after you read this. We’ve all been there – shopping for that person you forgot on Christmas Eve, grabbing whatever’s left on the shelves. Skip that this year and shop as early as you can.
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Ask about price-matching
Plenty of stores price-match, it’s just up to you to ask. What’s the worst that the person at the register can do, say no and roll his or her eyes? Moms are used to that (and if you’re not, wait until the teenage years). In Canada, big stores like Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart, among many others, price-match their competitors. If you see a prized item for less somewhere else, why not at least ask?
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Get into crafting
Crafting doesn’t have to mean a glitter-and-glue project that results in chintzy items. You can decorate photo frames using some paint and gemstones from your local art supply store or personalize Mason jars or jewellery boxes in a classy way. The best part – you can recruit your little elves to help out, even teaching them a thing or two about the spirit of giving and the value of a dollar while you’re at it.
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Keep an eye on sales
If you don’t subscribe to a newspaper, you should browse online every week to see what’s on sale and where. This is when retailers go nuts with early bird specials, coupons and special offers. If you want to make it through this season relatively unscathed, you’ve got to bargain-shop.
Are you a small business owner like me? Whether you’re a mortgage broker, blogger or a self-made millionaire like me (joking!) you can manage your finances with ease by using a state of the art accounting program that works for you without the headaches of spreadsheets and random documents that are easily lost’ in the nether regions of your PC if you know what I mean. Check out Sage.com to see if they have a product that suits your needs today. It’s also very affordable.
Do you have accounting software that you use? Have you tried Sage?
This is not a sponsored post but rather one that is a collaboration between Sage and I. And I like that.
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