Tricks to save on Christmas

Yes, saving at Christmas is possible

There are two times of the year that throw the budget out of balance: the summer break and the Christmas holidays. According to the Christmas consumption study carried out by Deloitte each year, Spaniards spent an average of 633 euros on Christmas shopping in 2017. Does that sound familiar? That is why it is advisable to be very vigilant so that the dreaded January slope does not turn into an unattainable summit. But don't worry: we have compiled the best tips and tricks with which you will learn how to save at Christmas . Ready?

Make lists

We recommend that you prepare a list of the previous purchase and that you (almost) do not get out of it. Food, gifts … Putting everything you have to do in writing will help you not to forget anything and will force you to comply with everything.

The secret is in the envelopes

Make your numbers, calculate how much money you have (realistically) and distribute it in envelopes for each game: food, gifts, lottery, extras (decoration, clothes …), and even later (don't forget them). It is a simple, but very effective formula to contain spending at Christmas. Oh, and make an envelope "just in case …", there is always an unforeseen event to cover or something that we had not taken into account.

Be careful with the music

If you want to be well protected, remember the tricks that commercial establishments use so that we can buy more. For example, a study from the University of Southern California (USA) ensures that music allows us to forget that we are on vacation and this feeling inclines us to more. Watch out!

A coffee? No thanks.

The warm sensation that a hot drink gives us increases our positive vision of the product that we were going to buy and inclines us to it. So forget about having a coffee before you go shopping.

Be careful with the samples!

Free samples have a delayed effect. A study published in the journal Marketing Science states that they get us to buy up to 12 months after receiving them.

What does shopping smell like?

Certain aromas make us take out the credit card earlier. The most effective? According to Washington State University (USA), those of fir and freshly baked cookies. Watch out!

Card (good) user manual

It is better to use cash because it is estimated that, on average, we spend 20% more paying by card. But if you prefer, choose the debit card instead of the credit card, set a limit (ask your bank to block the amount according to what you can spend) and avoid financing. Easy right?

An anti-crisis menu

Hake, sea bream, seafood, lamb, capons … Many products skyrocket their prices at these dates. You can prepare an alternative menu looking for quality raw materials but much cheaper. And make up for it with more sophisticated elaborations and taking care of the presentation of the dishes. Get inspired by these Christmas tables for your most festive decoration.

Congratulate without spending € 1!

The greeting cards are in low hours and the whatsapps are a bit over the top… If you want to surprise everyone, congratulate with a video. There are free websites that make it easier for you. Elegant: animoto.com. Funny: jibjab.com. And for the children: Christmas Surprising.com.

Put a brake on bills!

Christmas decorations and heating tend to consume a lot of energy during Christmas, so put them at bay. To start, replace the incandescent ones with other led ones. They are more expensive to start, but they cost much less and last longer. According to the Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE), a Christmas tree with 100 led lights consumes less than € 1 of electricity from December 22 to January 7. Also, bet on shiny decoration: glass, mirror, gold or silver. It will reflect light and make you need less lighting.

Decorate at cost (almost) 0

DIY ("Do it yourself" in English) is in fashion. Make your garlands and ornaments with felt, recycled cardboard and scraps of wrapping paper. You will get a unique, personalized decoration at an impossible price to beat. The limit is set by your imagination.

@tonicuenca via Unsplash

Exchange shares

It is calculated that Spaniards lose an average of € 60 in the Christmas lottery. Set a limit and meet it, and if you have to exchange, do it in shares and not in tenths. Think that according to a study by the CEU San Pablo University (Madrid), you have almost an 85% chance of losing everything invested compared to 5.30% of winning something. We are sorry to take away the illusion a bit …

Bet on details instead of clothes

Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve … are dates in which we like to dress well and, if possible, brand new. But you don't have to have different outfits, you can have a neutral one and create different looks with the help of accessories. A scarf, a jacket, some shoes, a necklace, some earrings or a bracelet can give a new look to your image.

ALWAYS compare prices

Did you go directly into a store for you something? Do not do it! According to a study prepared and published by the companies Salesforce and The Harris Poll, 80% of Internet users in the United States compare prices online to later purchase the product in a physical store. Learn from them!

It is an indisputable fact: Christmas is the time when we buy gifts for this year with money for the next. However, we have good news for you: saving at Christmas is possible. No, we are not kidding. Of course, there are no magic formulas to save on these dates (unfortunately) but, thanks to our tips and tricks, you will not leave as much money in stores as last year (yes, friend, we understand you well). Ready?

Learn to save at Christmas

To start, make a budget for expenses for these holidays and do not go out of the plan. Also, try to avoid temptations and impulse purchases.
We already know that the outfit for all your Christmas parties has to be IDEAL and that sequin dresses are the most fashionable of this season. But beware. Do not be impulsive and before that dress that you just saw in the store, consider other (cheaper) options. If you need more inspiration, don't miss the article on the 20 (super pretty) New Year's Eve dresses for less than € 40.
According to the Kantar consultancy, Spaniards plan to spend an average of € 249 on gifts this Christmas . What can you do to save? Make a List: List all the gifts you have to. Then compare prices online and find the best deal.
Don't rush shopping, as you are more likely to buy something unnecessary (or more expensive than usual). Remember to bring your list ready!
Remember the tricks that commercial establishments use so that we buy more. Watch out for music and free samples. Also, forget about having a coffee before you go shopping.
It is calculated that Spaniards lose an average of € 60 in the Christmas lottery. This year, set a limit and stick to it.