Last updated: April 26, 2023
We all love a good occasion. As humans, we generally love to celebrate events, milestones and achievements in the lives of ourselves and our loved ones. We say warming things, sure. But we also tend to like to gift cards, presents and other symbols of affection, being proud and the other sentiments we feel. This, of course, can get costly and, as a society, we have a big problem with slipping into debt over these kinds of events. At the end of the day, we live in a consumer culture that encourages us to spend more and more on big occasions. But at the end of the day, celebrating doesn’t have to be expensive. There are ways to show your feelings and save money at the same time! Here are some steps that can help you along the way!
Create a Calendar
A big tip towards saving money is to get organised. The more prepared you are for an occasion, the better you will be able to shop for it in a smart and savvy way. Get a calendar and mark down all the dates in the year that you will find yourself celebrating. This could include occasions such as Christmas and Easter. It could include birthdays of those you love. It could include anniversaries. You can then add in other achievements that people make, such as moving home, getting a new job, having a baby and more as and when they come up.
Set a Budget
Before you get started with any shopping, it is important to set a budget. All too many people get tied up and excited about celebrations and end up overspending. You’ll see things you like and keep picking more things up. Of course, this can easily lead to spending way too much and finding yourself struggling in other areas of your financial life, such as bills. Instead, set a budget. Figure out how much you can reasonably spend on each occasion and stick to it.
Shop in Advance
Many people will shop for occasions just before the occasion – perhaps in the week or two leading up to it. This is a mistake, as it leaves you in a position where you have to pay the current price on a product, whether the price is good or bad. Instead, if you see something that you think someone will like and it’s at a good price in the sale – whether that’s cheap sensory toys for children, a perfume you know a loved one wears, or anything else – buy it when it’s at the good price. This could be months before the actual occasion, but you’ll just find that you have the present ready well in advance and spend less in the process!
Use Discount Codes, Coupons and More
Before buying anything, check whether there are any promotional codes, discounts, coupons or other offers available. A quick Google search or signing up to mailing lists can often do the trick.
These are just a few ways to save, but they can really help you to maintain financial control around occasions. So, try a few of the steps out!
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