It’s October, which means we are getting closer and closer to December – a month filled with festivities, family gatherings, food, gifts, and spending money! To help you prepare for the holiday season, we’ve put together a list of tips for saving money in October.
1. Stock up on non-perishable goods: Find a storage box and when you do your regular shopping, buy 3-4 items that are on sale that you know you will use in December. Stock up on cans, sauces, pasta, and other non-perishable items. This ensures that during December, you won’t have to spend money on these items. Just check the expiration date.
2. Buy gift wrap and gift cards ahead of time: If you are expected to buy gifts, consider buying gift wrap earlier. Prices tend to soar during December and buying gift wraps and gift cards ahead of time can save you money.
3. Consider coupon books: Many stores and butcheries provide stamp books for consumers where they can buy stamps throughout the year and pay with the stamp book during December. Although it’s already October, you can still save for December. Having these books can help reduce the cost of December.
4. Buy home accessories ahead of time: As most South Africans know, it’s a must to have newly painted walls, new bedding, new curtains, and other accessories in the house for the holidays. However, these items always tend to be pricier during December than other months despite them claiming it’s on sale. Throughout the year, there are always good deals on bedding and curtains, and paint. Buy these items ahead of time and store them in a safe dry space. One less worry for December.
5. Consider lay-by for new clothes: Another thing Christmas is about is new clothes. Consider lay-by some of the items and pay them off before December. This prevents you from making unnecessary debt on sneakers and clothing. As we shift to Summer, most retail stores are providing amazing discounts on their winter stock. This will give you an opportunity to shop before the big rush.
Preparing for the December festivities doesn’t have to be a financial burden. By implementing these five tips – stocking up on non-perishable goods, buying gift wrap and cards early, considering coupon books, purchasing home accessories ahead of time, and considering lay-by for new clothes – you can spread out your spending and make the holiday season more manageable. Remember, the key is to plan ahead and make strategic decisions. Happy saving!
