The Christmas season is just around the corner and, so is the temptation to splurge. Responsible spending should come hand-in-hand with the 13th month pays and bonuses. After all, it pays to spend less while still getting the best items and experiences you deserve this yuletide.
Here are some ways you could lessen hurting your wallet this holiday season:
Visit free places
Besides strolling inside malls, there are many places you can spend time with family and friends for free. The National Museum, Rizal Park, National Library, Streets of Binondo, Quiapo Church, and Manila Bay are some. You can plan a walk to the nearest park or stroll around your village. Get out there and enjoy the outdoors without spending a cent!
Download a budgeting app
Downloading these apps help to monitor how much money goes into your pocket and how much you take out.
Monitoring your every expense may require a little effort, but seeing how much you receive and spend will help you think twice about buying that expensive item you’ve been eyeing for the longest time.
Bring a water bottle
Buying a bottle of water might sound harmless, but imagine having to buy a bottle every time you feel thirsty. Many establishments have drinking stations where all you have to do is fill up a bottle to stay hydrated. The amount of money you can save from bringing your own water bottle might be enough to fund your share for the next potluck party!
Bring Tupperware for leftovers
Having a container or two at the back of your car won’t hurt anyone. Some of the most delicious foods are served during Christmas parties. While it might look funny for some, you get to enjoy that sumptuous food the next day/s. You might get a few teases here and there, but at least your tummy will thank you!
Buy ingredients in the wet market
Nothing is wrong with buying from the supermarket, but sellers in the wet market sell everything for much lower prices than malls. Not only are they cheaper, but most are also fresh from the sea or freshly picked! Something to keep in mind: let’s try not to haggle with the sellers. The prices are already low; let’s help them by giving the little profit they try to get from their sales!
Cancel subscriptions you don’t use
If there are streaming or cable subscriptions you’re no longer actively using, it might be a good time to rethink keeping them. It’s one of those things we don’t realize eat up our expenses – a silent, but deadly killer of funds. Consider calling your respective providers for cancellation this season!
Make a list and stick to it
Check it twice too! Tempting sales are anywhere and everywhere. Bring a list of all the gifts you need to buy and stick to it. Without a list, you’d hear every single thing you pass call out to you. Get the gift for your niece, linger and look around, pay for the gift, and walk out. If you don’t need it, better to walk while you still can. Thank u, next!
Pay in cash
Lastly, avoid using credit cards. It’s better to spend money that you already have than realize you have so much to pay off after all the Christmas shopping. Keeping track of your expenses by physically seeing how much you still have left will help you control yourself and make you more aware of when enough is enough.
It’s possible to celebrate the holidays without hurting your pocket; all you need to know is how.
Spend easy, folks!
PHOTO: http://www.pricepony.com.ph/blog/5-best-budgeting-apps-tracking-finances/, https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-travel-water-bottle/, https://www.tupperware.com/, http://theblackswampcornucopia.blogspot.com/2013/06/our-trip-today-to-mandaue-city-wet.html, http://www.megacities-go-services.com/Manila/Manila-Daily-Survive-Manila/Money-Finance/Cash
