The holiday season is right around the corner. And that means you’ll likely be shopping for gifts for friends and family. That also means you’ll be left to manage post-holiday bills.
Last year, holiday shoppers spent an average of $407 during the Thanksgiving weekend, according to the National Retail Federation. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling has a few tips for how you can steer clear of debt by finding cash for your holiday purchases.
Get a second job. The holiday season is when many retailers go on a hiring spree. Take advantage by finding a second job so you can have extra cash for holiday spending.
Sell some of your unwanted items. Look around your house for items that you no longer need or want. Esty.com is a great place to get started.
Use gift cards you never got around to cashing in. You can use these cards to buy items for loved ones on your shopping list.
Reduce spending. Take a look at your budget and look for places to cut back so that you’ll have additional money free for holiday purchases.
Regift. You might feel like re-gifting is stingy, but if you have gifts in good condition that you never used, why not wrap them and give them away?
Look for gift alternatives. Instead of giving gifts, have a potluck dinner and enjoy the company of your family and friends.
Bonus tip: The NFCC also recommends staying with friends or family instead of a pricey hotel. Also think about buying a gift for each family instead of individual presents.