App Store Google Play
Launch will be closed Monday, Sept. 2nd for Labor Day   Learn More

7 Easy Ways To Save On Holiday Shopping

Updated: October 24, 2023

It’s beginning to look a lot like…empty wallets OR maybe full wallets if you follow these 7 ways to shop smart this holiday season. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend nearly $900 on holiday shopping this year, so being smart with your money will be a huge determining factor in how much you actually get out of your holiday spend. Check out these simple ways you can save when you’re shopping for gifts online or in-store.

1. Make A List

It’s easy to get carried away with spending during the holiday season (especially when it comes to gifts, decor, food, and travel). So, before you get carried away on Amazon or Target, create a budget that includes a list of people you’re buying for and what you’re buying them.
  • Set an exact amount you would like to spend for the entire holiday.
  • Price out each item.
  • Keep your list handy to cross off each item you purchase so you can see how much you have left to buy.
shopping list with presents around it
woman looking at her phone while drinking coffee on the couch

2. Check It Twice

Now that you know what you need to buy, the next step is to research your options so you pick the best one. If you’re purchasing electronics, furniture, or other high-ticket items, you’ll want to check online reviews. This is your best bet in discovering the truth about products. Amazon is wonderful for this because they show each product’s 1-5 star rating. Start there and cross-reference products on additional sites before you buy.

3. Compare Prices

You can check your local retailers to see if any are offering a price-match guarantee. This means they will match the price of a competitor, or even offer it for lower! Next, you will want to price shop. Research your local and online stores to see which ones are offering your items for the cheapest. If you’re shopping online, make sure to take shipping costs into account. Plan to check online prior to Black Friday and Cyber Monday so you can maximize your savings. You can also check out sites like Brad’s Deals and RetailMeNot for lower prices.

woman holding 2 shopping bags
two people exchanging gifts

4. Consider A Gift Exchange

Too many people to buy for? A gift exchange may be the best option for you. Instead of buying for all your friends, set up a gift exchange and keep the limit to $20 and under. Amazon has a variety of categories ranging from gifts under $100 to gifts under $10. This way, everyone spends the same amount, and you can focus on finding one gift and get the most bang for your buck.

5. Download Cash Back Apps

These will come in handy this holiday season because many retailers are offering cash back on purchases specifically through cash back apps. They range anywhere from 1% to 11%, so your savings can be huge. If you need to purchase something from a specific retailer, make sure to check a cash-back app first to see if they’re running a cash-back offer. Some cash-back apps even allow you to create a wish list and they’ll notify you when the price has dropped. Check out our list of the best cash-back apps.

lady looking at laptop
lady holding shopping bags and a credit card

6. Use A Rewards Credit Card

Check to see if your financial institution is running any points, cash back, or statement credit deals during the holidays. This is a great way to purchase what you need while also getting rewarded for it. 

7. Look For Free Shipping

Shipping costs add up fast, so when you shop through a site that offers free shipping, you’ve hit the jackpot. You may find a better deal on a site, but if they charge shipping, it may not be the best bargain. Pull out your calculator and see which one ends up being cheaper after factoring in the shipping costs. If the site you’re shopping on doesn’t offer free shipping, visit Freeshipping.org to see if you can find a free shipping code.

packages at doorstep

Related Posts

February 22, 2024
Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund If you're expecting a tax refund this year, consider smart ways to use your tax refund so you can set yourself up for financial success.
January 26, 2024
Watch Out for These Valentine’s Day Scams As Valentine's Day approaches, so does the number of online scams. We dive into the common scams you should look out for in February.
December 26, 2023
Goal Setting Strategies For the New Year Whether your goal is personal development, career advancement, or a healthier lifestyle, effective goal setting is the key to success.
Visit any branch location to open your account. For questions call 321-455-9400 (inside Brevard) or 800-662-5257 (outside Brevard).
Back to top