Put Some Savings in Your Holiday Stockings

With the Christmas holiday just around the corner, are you giving or expecting some great stocking stuffers?

For many individuals, 2015 has been a challenging year financially, giving them all the more reason to watch what they spend. Many of these same individuals could no doubt use a little good financial news heading into 2016.

With that in mind, it behooves consumers to shop smartly, looking for the best deals for themselves and/or their families.

So, what is on your Christmas wish list this time around?

Bring Home Family Entertainment

As many families nationwide gather around the Christmas tree this year, they will certainly be thankful for one another, but also for any deals that they were able to find in the lead up to and after the holidays.

Given that sentiment, here are some ideas for both before and after the holidays to find the best deals available:

• Shop around – While most consumers have their favorite stores, it certainly never hurts to do some shopping around, especially when year-end deals can be had. Whether you’re looking for new home furnishings, accessories for the vehicle, deals on travel over or after the holidays, Directv special offers and packages and much more. Look for bargains and top-notch customer service when hunting;
• Year-end sales – It is no big secret that year-end sales can be some of the biggest bargains for the average consumer. Many businesses want to clear inventories at the end of the year in order to be ready for the New Year, so look for deals the last week of 2015. While it would of course be nice to surprise your loved ones with gifts on Christmas morning, sometimes waiting an extra day or two to deliver that special gift is worth it when it comes to your wallet or purse;
• Buy in bulk – Sure, it may not seem like you need dozens of this and endless supplies of that, but buying in bulk around the holidays (especially the day after Christmas) can lead to overall savings. Whether it is Christmas decorations, cards, wrappings or more, buying the items after Christmas for next year’s holiday can save you money in the long run. Use newspaper circulars, emails, social media and even offers you receive on your smartphones and other digital devices to reap the savings.

While many people have had to watch their spending habits in 2015, the end of the year is not a time to reminisce about how badly things went for you financially.

Make the initiative to look for better savings from here on out, giving you and your family something to be merry about heading into 2016.

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers topics on finance and families.