With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s important to start thinking about how you can save money for all of the festivities and gift-giving. Saving money can be a challenge, especially when you’re faced with the temptation of so many sales and deals. But with a little bit of planning and discipline, it’s definitely possible.

Here are some tips to help you save money for the holidays:

1. Make a budget: The first step to saving money for the holidays is to create a budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend on gifts, decorations, and food, and stick to your budget.

2. Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to start shopping for gifts and decorations. Start early and take advantage of sales and discounts when they’re available. I also feel like the earlier I start, the more I am able to do for my kids for Christmas because I can take my time getting them gifts over several months

3. Use cash: It’s easy to overspend when you’re using credit cards. Instead, use cash for your purchases. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid credit card debt.

4. Shop online: Shopping online can be a great way to save money. Not only can you compare prices easily, but you can also take advantage of online-only deals and discounts. I love to shop through Rakuten for anything I can to earn cash back. (I also use Instacart through Rakuten to save on groceries). Sign up for Rakuten here: https://www.rakuten.com/r/JENPRE14?eeid=44748

5. Make homemade gifts and decorations: Get creative and make some homemade gifts and decorations. Not only will this save you money, but it will also add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.

6. Cut back on non-essential expenses: Take a look at your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. This will free up more money for your holiday budget. We recently cut cable since we would almost always turn on the TV and go straight to Netflix.

7. Consider a gift exchange: Instead of buying gifts for everyone on your list, consider doing a gift exchange. This is a great way to save money and reduce the amount of gift-giving stress. Looking for ideas? Do a search on Pinterest or Etsy for inspiration.

8. Traveling for the holidays? I book all my hotels through Acorns then Expedia to earn cash back on my travel! I also have a weekly auto savings drafted to Acorns as an easy way to save. Get $5 just for joining:https://share.acorns.com/zones/friend_landing_experience_microsite?extole_share_channel=mobile&extole_shareable_code=jenpremo&cro-test=true

By following these tips, you can save money for the holidays without sacrificing any of the fun and joy of the season. Happy saving!