New York residents like you may dread the winter months. Holidays fly at you one after another, from Thanksgiving all the way to Valentine’s Day. Between food, gifts, and heating bills, people spend more during this time of year than any other time. So how can you save some cash when everything seems to want to empty your wallet?
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has poignant information on how to avoid falling into debt in the holidays, a problem that many Americans face every year. In fact, it was shown that the average consumer projected to spend over $1,000 on holiday shopping alone.
Here are some ways to limit your spending:
Make a budget and stick to it. Budgets are crucial to avoiding debt. You need to figure out exactly how much money you can comfortably spend this year. Once you figure it out, you need to actually stick to it. Don’t fall into the trap of adding “just one more thing”, or “just a few extra dollars”, as it adds up quickly.
Avoid group shopping trips. It’s been shown that people tend to spend more when they’re with groups, as it can create a sort of “buying frenzy”. People also often convince their friends to make purchases they might not have otherwise made.
Finally, don’t rely on credit cards. All those holiday offers look tempting, but there’s plenty of fine print that will make them less-than-ideal in the long run. You don’t need to become a total penny pincher over the holidays. Just employ some smart spending tactics that work for you.
