5 ways you can save money this holiday shopping season
Wrentham, MA - November 9: A fully decorated Christmas tree at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
HOUSTON - The holiday season is upon us and many stores are beginning to post their holiday sales. Prepare for long lines and some pricier products this year.
NerdWallet shared some tips for consumers to save money this holiday season:
1. SHOP EARLY AND OFTEN
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Shopping early in the season can help reduce the impact on your wallet and land the best deals. Pay attention to prices form different retailers and be mindful of coupons before making a purchase. Jill Cataldo, a consumer coupon expert based in Chicago, says she keeps her receipts in case the price drops and the retailer offers a price match.
Tools to save money during Black Friday and Cyber Monday
*EDITORS NOTE: This video is from a previous story. We're coming up on the biggest shopping weekend of the year, and deals are everywhere. Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at Truetrae.com, shares the essential tools you need to save the most on your holiday purchases..
2. BE RELENTLESS ABOUT COMPARING PRICES
Use apps, browser extensions, and other tools that can help you keep track of and compare prices. Some of them will work in the background while you shop and alert you of lower prices, coupon code, and cash back opportunities.
3. LAYER ON COUPON CODES AND CASH BACK
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Deals aren't just about prices. Adding on coupons and cash-back offers will also help you save.
4. GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL STORES
Some store managers can negotiate and price match, especially when there is excessive inventory in stock at the store. According to Deborah Weinswig, CEO and founder of Coresight Research, getting to know your local stores and going to events can help you score the biggest deals.
Weinswig also suggests joining live streams, following your favorite brands on social media, and signing up for brand loyalty programs to be the first to hear about discounts or sales.
5. TALK TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT SCALING BACK
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Recent rising prices can cause the holiday season to feel like a time of financial stress. Talk with your family and friends about setting limits on gifts that can help everyone involved save money. Sarah Schweisthal, a social media manager at the budgeting app You Need a Budget, suggests creating a gift exchange with family members, so each person purchases just one gift with an agreed-on spending cap.