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It takes a lot to bring the magic to the holiday season. Holiday shopping is no easy feat. It can be a serious stressor for many, and online shopping has made it all the more overwhelming.
The best way to take the stress out of holiday shopping is to maximize your savings, and there are some simple ways to get you there.
If you’re looking for some clarity for your holiday shopping, we have got your covered. Here are some mistakes you should avoid at all costs to make the most of your money this gifting season.
Steer Clear from these 10 Shopping Mistakes
- Shopping without a budget
- Waiting until the last minute
- Overspending to get free shipping
- Not checking the return policy
- Keeping your cart
- Not shopping in incognito mode
- Falling for bad sales
- Overusing credit
- Not comparing prices
- Buying to Impress
Shopping Without a Budget
Budgets are not just for the grocery store. Creating a realistic holiday spending budget is the first step to success in the season.
Don’t worry, a budget won’t put a damper on your holiday generosity, but it will set appropriate guidelines will keep you in check into the new year.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Last minute shopping is never fun. The last-minute crowds and unreliable stock is one thing, but the expedited shipping costs are what you should fear. If you don’t want to pay extra for priority shipping, be sure to order your gifts by December 15 to receive them by Christmas.
Overspending to Get Free Shipping
Free shipping is never really free, you paid for it by adding more items to your cart. If you're adding more to your total than you would have paid for shipping, then you’re making a savings mistake.
Not Checking the Return Policy
We can’t expect the holidays to be completely seamlessly. Not everything will go to plan, and retailers are planning on exploiting that fact this holiday season. Sale items and Christmas deals may be excluded from any regular store refund policies.
If you find an end of season sale that would make a perfect gift, be sure to check the return policy.
Not Keeping Your Cart
Have you ever online shopped then left your cart to sit for a few days? If you were lucky you might have received an email with a special discount for your abandoned cart.
If you’re still deciding, leave your cart for a few days to see if you can get an even better deal than you planned.
Not Shopping in Incognito Mode
Searching the same product over and over? Retailers are noticing this, and they might even increase their prices once that notice you’re interested. That’s right- your data can actually make things more expensive for you in the long run.
When you’re ready to buy the item you’ve been eyeing, purchase with an incognito tab to hopefully get a better deal.
Falling for Bad Sales
Not all sales are worth the hype. If you’re questioning if you’re really getting a worthwhile deal, you probably are not.
Overusing Credit
Don’t allow your holiday cheer to let you get loose with your credit card. A bad credit score will follow you into the new year. Biting off more than you can chew for the holidays is not a good look.
Keep your budget in mind, especially when using your credit card. There’s no need to take on any extra debt for the sake of the holiday season.
Not Comparing Prices
The whole world is at your fingertips, and you should be using it to save money wherever possible.
If you see anything you love in the store, always check online for a better deal. You can almost always find it for cheaper somewhere else.
This tip goes way beyond the holiday season, compare prices anytime you buy something new.
Buying to Impress
You shouldn’t overspend just to appease others no matter what time of year it is.
The pressure to consume throughout the holidays can be taxing but keep your best interest in mind. The holiday season should be a joyful time and treating your wallet right is the best way to treat yourself and your loved ones.
In Conclusion
Set yourself up right for the new year by keeping the reigns on your holiday spending, it will be worth it. Remember these tips before you blow through your budget.
- Always follow your budget
- Do your research, and compare prices
- Don’t overspend to impress others, no matter what time of year it is