The holidays are the time to have fun and enjoy being with our families. However, many moms fear this time of year as their monthly budget and economizing routines get put on hold for holiday cheer. Every homemaker has to deal with it, at some time or other. It is not easy. You don’t want to fall further behind but you also want your family to have happy memories. If this year has been a tough one, do not despair. With a little focus, you can actually shop for the holidays and still come out  a winner!

Here are some of the best tips and tricks to save money during the holiday season and after.

Create a Budget And Be Loyal To It

Holiday budgets are a bit different than everyday budgets. This one needs more planning and management because you have so much to accomplish if you are on a restricted budget. The best way is to start a little early and assign a particular amount to each category like gifting, grocery, decorations, tree, and clothing.  

Note: this is NOT a sponsored post however, this post does contain Amazon affiliate links. ♥

Spend Using Cash Rather Than Cards

Now, when you know your budget, it is better to use cash rather than cards. Having cash in hand will remind you of the budget and expenses. It is easy to get carried away buying those cute glittery items that grab your attention in store displays. Bring a limited amount of money with you and NO CASH or checks.  That will force you to spend within your means.

Grab Coupons of All Kinds to Use When You Shop

Money is crucial, but family celebrations are important, too. There will be many expenses that you cannot avoid like some new clothes, gifts, food and decorations. So, one smart thing you can do is to take advantage of coupons and online deals as much as possible. You can shop online where you can get plenty of discounts and offers to save money. Websites like CouponoBox are an amazing source of discount codes so grab the most out of them and get the best while spending the least.

Encourage Your Kids To Do Some DIY

Gifts are one of the biggest expenses during the holidays. Buying expensive gifts isn’t always the most memorable. Spark some life the holiday spirit by teaching your kids to value their loved ones and make them feel special. Encourage them to make homemade gifts for family members. The recipients will truly treasure the uniqueness of what they have received.

Prefer Potlucks

A family gathering is during the holidays is fun. Instead of providing all the food yourself, host it as a potluck. Everyone brings a dish to pass. You will be amazed at the variety of great dishes that fill the dinner table as everyone brings something to share and you will save money, too.

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Shop the After-Christmas Sales

Households with older children can pull this off brilliantly. Select a small-ticket item for each person to open on Christmas Day. And, give each person cash to spend when the after holiday sales begin.

Make it a big deal! Go out together and “shop till you drop!” You will get so much more for your money and can save. Design it as a very special day. Go out for a bite to eat as a family, maybe even a movie, and enjoy.

If going out on the town to shop does not appeal to you, Amazon’s after holiday sales are amazing! Sit down together by the computer and browse. Save the items you like best in the shopping cart. When you are done picking things out, you can sort through the cart and remove items you aren’t going to get. Finish checking out when everything that remains is what you want to buy!

To sum it up …

Moms have an amazing way of managing things. You may even find yourself looking back and saying “how ever did I do it?” But, fact is, you did do it!

Enjoy!