Believe it or not, the holiday season is just around the corner which means it’s time to start budgeting and saving. By planning ahead, you can optimize your holiday savings and relieve yourself of all the last-minute holiday stress. Here’s a step-by-step walk-through to help you prepare for the holidays:

How to Save for the Holidays

1. Set Your Budget
   If you remember how much you spent last holiday season, you can use that amount to estimate the proper budget for this year. It’s always best to overestimate your budget than to underestimate it – just be careful not to budget more than you can actually afford. Include things such as gifts, food, travel expenses, and decorations in your budget. If you can’t afford to put all these things in your holiday budget, then prioritize them and start with the most important.
2. Create a Gift List
   Start working on your gift list now so that you have plenty of time to find the best deals on your gifts. This will also give you time to make your own gifts if you want to save even more money. Just make sure the gifts you get now will still be wanted in December. And again, prioritize your gift list. Start with the most important gifts and work your way down the list.
3. Start Setting Aside Money
   Start setting money aside now. Perhaps start skipping a few Starbucks runs and put the money you save in a holiday savings fund. If you can manage to spend only cash this holiday season, you’ll feel great when the New Year comes around and you’re free of any credit card debt.
4. Start Shopping Around
   Start keeping your eyes open for deals, coupons, and sales for anything on your holiday shopping list. But don’t forget Black Friday is just around the corner as well – this is the perfect day to score some amazing bargains.
5. Stock Up On Non-Perishables
   When you find a deal, stock up. It’s also a good idea to start stocking up on popular non-perishable holiday food items so that you don’t wind up fighting over the last turkey or box of stuffing come Christmas Eve. Stay up to date on grocery sales to know when to buy for less.
6. Make Travel Plans Now
   Are you planning on traveling this holiday season? Book your trip as soon as possible before travel rates peak. Also, look for vacation travel deals.
   Even though it’s only September, planning ahead can save a lot of money and relieve a lot of stress so don’t wait too long to start planning and saving for the holidays!

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