Money Saving Tips for the Holidays

With the winter holidays coming up soon, there are a number of things that happen every year that are great money savers.  If you plan ahead and remain organized, there are great opportunities to spend less while still getting to splurge a little.  Here are some seasonal money saving tips:

–Travel on off days — I remember one year having to change my travel plans due to a schedule conflict and flew on Thanksgiving morning, returning on the following Monday morning.  The ticket was less than half price one that would have left Wednesday night, before Thanksgiving, returning on Sunday night.  Cheaper tickets are great for the person whose time is more flexible, but wallet isn’t.

–Give gift certificates and redeem in January — in January, most stores have clearance sales to get rid of Merchandise that didn’t move in December Christmas sales.  With a gift certificate, the cash value can go a lot further in January than December.

--Stock up on loss-leaders — during the holiday season, many stores will offer a special seasonally-related item free or for very low cost to thank their customers for business during the year.  Turkeys are a good example where many stores offer turkeys at a cheap price all November and December and then raise the price the rest of the year.

–Shop seasonally — for fresh fruits and vegetables at least.  Take advantage of things like brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash.  For fresh fruit, try pears and persimmons.  The seasonal bounty makes them abundant and lower cost this time of year.

shared at Frugal Friday