The holiday season is a time of celebration, coming together, and creating long-lasting memories with loved ones. As we are all aware, however, it has become more and more difficult to save money at this time of year. Between gifts, trips, and meals out, we could all use a few money-saving tips for the holidays.

At Quincy Credit Union, we understand the importance of making the most of the holiday season without breaking the bank. We all want to enjoy the holidays, and with the holiday season almost upon us, let’s take a look at some of Quincy Credit Union’s holiday money saving tips so you can get through this pricey time of year with some money left to make a great start to the new year.

1.      Do Your Research

Before heading out to the shops and diving head first into holiday expenses, it’s vital to do your research. The first step is to set yourself a realistic budget. This budget must include all of your predicted expenses, such as gifts, decorations, travel, food and drinks. Be sure to add any planned days or nights out into the budget, and if you anticipate making any charitable contributions this year, they will need to be accounted for too.

Once your budget is in place, it’s time to research and compare prices for everything you plan to buy. The price of gifts and decorations can vary massively from store to store, and online price comparison sites allow you to track price changes and receive notifications when your desired products have dropped. This type of smart shopping can be the difference between a budget-friendly holiday season and one that gets out of control financially. Luckily, Quincy Credit Union has some fantastic money-saving tools, financial calculators, and resources to help you set your initial budget and stick to it.

2.    Sign Up for Holiday Discounts

Another great way to save for the holidays is to sign up for holiday discounts at various retailers. Many online platforms and brick-and-mortar stores offer exclusive holiday deals to subscribers and the benefits are often well worth it. Simply by signing up for newsletters and loyalty programs in advance of the holiday season, you will receive early notifications about upcoming sales and promotions.

Another way to get more bang for your buck during the holidays is to explore rewards programs. When businesses offer such programs, consumers can earn cashback or loyalty points when using certain cards to pay. These savings or accumulated points can be redeemed against products, adding another layer of savings to your holiday expenses.

3.    Pre-Book as Soon as You Can

When the time comes to plan your holiday getaway or a meal out with your extended family, early planning can make all the difference. Booking flights and accommodation well in advance will save you substantial cash, especially at this time of year.

Similarly, if you’re organizing a large meal out, or planning to hire a catering service to host family and friends, booking ahead will help boost your holiday savings. Another option if you’re taking the home-cooking route is to buy non-perishable items early before their prices are raised in line with the holiday demand.

Pre-booking as soon as you can is not just a great way to save money, but a fantastic stress reliever. We all know how stressful the holidays can be, but you can take some of the edge off by planning early and making the necessary arrangements. This should help you avoid (one of the many) stress-related arguments that so many of us experience during the holiday season.

4.   Hit Local Spots If You’re Traveling

When you travel during the holidays, the excitement is often offset by the associated costs. Visiting family and friends that you don’t get to see regularly is a wonderful experience, but spending three months of your salary on the trip is stressful.

One great way to save money when traveling is to hit local spots instead of mainstream tourist destinations. This approach will save you money, and it will often allow you to enjoy a unique and authentic experience. When budget-friendly measures lead to increased enjoyment, it’s a no-brainer!

Be on the lookout for local markets, festivals, and events happening at your destination. Embracing local culture will add a special touch to your holiday and will help you save money by avoiding the popular, overpriced tourist attractions.

Save More this Holiday Season with Quincy Credit Union

The holiday season is an enjoyable time of year for many, as we spend time with the people we love most and those that we do not get to see often enough. Make the most of your holiday season this year by utilizing Quincy Credit Union’s money saving tips. They will help you ensure the holidays are not only memorable but also financially responsible.

At Quincy Credit Union, we are committed to helping our members make the most of their holiday season without compromising their financial well-being. Embrace the festivities, cherish the moments, and let Quincy Credit Union be your partner in making this holiday season truly special. Happy holidays!