Are you already buying gifts for the holidays, but don’t know how you will be able to cover everything without going over budget? You’re not alone, as ’tis the season for overspending and debt if you’re not careful. With rising prices and tempting deals, many shoppers end up with a holiday credit card bill that’s hard to pay off.
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The jolly news? You can still buy great gifts without breaking the bank. Here are three proven strategies to save money on holiday shopping and avoid a financial hangover in January.
Take Advantage of Online Deals
Thanks to competitive online retailers, something like a Black Friday sale doesn’t just happen on the day after Thanksgiving anymore. These deals are typically extended a few days before and after, and then roll right into Cyber Monday and beyond.
Since today’s consumers often begin their Christmas shopping as soon as the last trick-or-treater leaves their front porch, waiting until the right sale can save you a bundle. Whether you choose to visit online-only retailers, the online version of your local retailer (ex., Wal-Mart), bidding services like eBay, or even comparison tools like Google Shopping, you could gain access to more retail options at discounted online rates — and maybe even take advantage of free shipping.
If you plan to shop online, however, don’t forget to factor in how long shipping will take, especially because the Christmas season is so busy for shippers. If you wait until the last minute to buy your gifts online, or aren’t an Amazon Prime member, your items could show up late.
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Find Online Coupons and Join Loyalty Clubs
Coupons and loyalty programs can help you slash your holiday shopping costs. Many retailers offer promo codes, cash-back rewards and exclusive discounts for members. It can be as easy as searching for “holiday coupon codes” or visiting sites like RetailMeNot and Honey.
Stores like Target, Kohl’s and Macy’s offer points and perks for members, which can lead to big savings. Another pro tip is to stack coupons with sale prices for maximum discounts.
Consider Visiting Your Stores of Choice Early
Many stores program their cash registers with discounted rates after 6 p.m. the night before a big sale. So if you don’t mind taking chances, and want to avoid big crowds, you might pay a visit to the stores you’re interested in the night before. It doesn’t hurt to try!
Probably the most important thing you can do when trying to avoid a shocking holiday credit card bill is to plan ahead. You don’t want to disappoint your loved ones — or your budget — in the process of buying gifts. So take time to find the perfect gifts at the prices you want to make everyone happy this holiday season.
Stacey Bumpus contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Ways To Avoid a Shocking Credit Card Bill From All Your Holiday Shopping
