Posted by guestauthor | Published on November 21, 2011
If you could avoid the stress of holiday shopping, would you? Or do thrive on the busy stores, stocked shelves, and discounts galore? There are two types of us, really… those who love to shop – and those who don’t. However, I firmly believe that holiday shopping is an entirely different beast altogether.
Most of us intend to start shopping earlier every year to avoid the mad rush come December. To save money while avoiding stress this up-coming holiday season, follow these tips from our contributor and savings expert, Jeanette Pavini:
It’s Just the Beginning
Sales don’t end on the day after Thanksgiving, they’re just starting, so don’t feel like you have to be in line at 6 a.m. and get all your shopping done in one day. You’ve still got 4 more weeks to shop and you will definitely be able to find good sales during that time.
Coupons are Not Just for Food
Remember, coupons are not just for groceries. You can print up online coupons for toys, DVDs, beauty supplies, portraits and more.
Say No to the Credit Card
It will be much easier to stick to a budget if you shop with cash instead of credit.
Don’t Fall for Every Savings Opportunity
Think twice before you sign up for a store credit card to get an instant discount. Every time you have your credit checked you may be lowering your credit score, which can have long-term ramifications, like paying a higher interest rate on a car purchase or a home refinance. If you do decide to open a store credit card to get extra savings, only do it for high-ticket items and then pay the card off as soon as you get the bill — paying interest is not saving money.
Do You Need a Warranty?
Purchase extended warranties with caution. They are usually only beneficial on electronics that are new to the market. And never pay more than 10% of the purchase price for a warranty.
What’s the Return Policy You Say?
Pay extra attention to return policies. If you’re buying a gift with only a 14 day return policy, keep in mind you’re probably not giving the gift for about a month so the return period will be over.
Save Receipts
Some stores will offer you a onetime price adjustment if the item goes down in price within 7 -14 days.
Rebates
If your purchase has a rebate, make sure you make copies of the original receipt, the UPC codes and any other information the manufacturer needs. Most importantly, remember to mail it in. Manufacturers count on people being lured in to purchases by rebate offers and then forgetting to mail them in.
Try Not to Drive
If possible, have someone drop you off and pick you up at the mall to avoid the stress of parking.
Avoid Holiday Stress this Shopping Season
Most of us intend to start shopping earlier every year to avoid the mad rush come December. To save money while avoiding stress this up-coming holiday season, follow these tips from our contributor and savings expert, Jeanette Pavini:
It’s Just the Beginning
Sales don’t end on the day after Thanksgiving, they’re just starting, so don’t feel like you have to be in line at 6 a.m. and get all your shopping done in one day. You’ve still got 4 more weeks to shop and you will definitely be able to find good sales during that time.
Coupons are Not Just for Food
Remember, coupons are not just for groceries. You can print up online coupons for toys, DVDs, beauty supplies, portraits and more.
Say No to the Credit Card
It will be much easier to stick to a budget if you shop with cash instead of credit.
Don’t Fall for Every Savings Opportunity
Think twice before you sign up for a store credit card to get an instant discount. Every time you have your credit checked you may be lowering your credit score, which can have long-term ramifications, like paying a higher interest rate on a car purchase or a home refinance. If you do decide to open a store credit card to get extra savings, only do it for high-ticket items and then pay the card off as soon as you get the bill — paying interest is not saving money.
Do You Need a Warranty?
Purchase extended warranties with caution. They are usually only beneficial on electronics that are new to the market. And never pay more than 10% of the purchase price for a warranty.
What’s the Return Policy You Say?
Pay extra attention to return policies. If you’re buying a gift with only a 14 day return policy, keep in mind you’re probably not giving the gift for about a month so the return period will be over.
Save Receipts
Some stores will offer you a onetime price adjustment if the item goes down in price within 7 -14 days.
Rebates
If your purchase has a rebate, make sure you make copies of the original receipt, the UPC codes and any other information the manufacturer needs. Most importantly, remember to mail it in. Manufacturers count on people being lured in to purchases by rebate offers and then forgetting to mail them in.
Try Not to Drive
If possible, have someone drop you off and pick you up at the mall to avoid the stress of parking.