Holiday shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet — even with prices creeping up everywhere. With a little creativity (and some savvy hacks), you can still snag thoughtful gifts, stretch your budget and maybe even have a little fun while doing it.
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Here are some of the top genius ways to make your holiday shopping inflation-proof without skimping on the holiday spirit.
1. Time Your Purchases
According to Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at True Trae, sales are worth the wait, especially in these inflationary times.
Getting an early start and spreading your holiday shopping out over multiple sales periods are great ways to stretch your budget while getting gifts for everyone on your list.
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2. Layer Savings
Once you’ve timed your purchases with retail sales, Bodge recommended looking for additional ways to save. For example, deal sites have coupons and cash-back offers that can be applied to your purchases.
Bodge said her latest favorite is ShopBack, which is new to the U.S. Depending on your purchase habits, she explained that using ShopBack regularly can earn you $130 to $250 or more in cash back per year.
“Real cash back, not points or gift cards — with retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Shein and Booking.com,” Bodge said.
3. Shop With Discounted Gift Cards
Another savings tactic Bodge likes to use is to shop with discounted gift cards. She noted that Gift Card Granny has rotating deals that you can take advantage of.
“Shopping with a discounted gift card is like creating your own little sale, and it can be layered with other sales and coupons!” she said.
4. Pay With a Credit Card That Allows You To Earn Points or Miles
Paying with your debit card might be tempting, but most debit cards don’t offer rewards and are less secure than credit cards.
If you are not familiar with the benefits of your credit cards, Bodge suggested doing a quick Google search. “You’ll quickly see which credit cards are best for which purchases — you can also write in a sharpie on each credit card as a reminder, like ‘general shopping,’ ‘groceries & gas,’ etc.,” she explained.
5. Check Your Memberships
Bodge also noted that memberships, like AARP and AAA, as well as loyalty programs often come with exclusive savings.
For example, AARP members have access to discounts on everything from Walmart+ memberships to UPS shipping services (both of which are convenient for holiday shopping).
“Take a few minutes to become familiar with what your memberships offer,” Bodge said.
6. Cut Back Elsewhere
One of Bodge’s biggest hacks? Look for things to cut back on, even temporarily. “Could you eat out less for a couple of months? Are you really watching all of those streaming channels?” she said.
That money you save by cutting back can be added to your holiday fund.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Genius Hacks To Make Your Holiday Shopping Inflation-Proof
