Enjoying holiday cheer and time spent with loved ones can sometimes come with an expensive price tag. We asked you to share your money saving tips for the holidays. Here are some of your top tips on how to enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank.
First things first
While we do licence certain sectors and enforce certain consumer protection laws in BC, we do not offer personal budgeting or financial advice. We’re sharing the tips below (provided by you) to be helpful and provide general consumer info. Explore our website for more info on which topics we can help you with directly.
Tips to help you save money this holiday season
1. Set a budget and stick to it! A good way to avoid overspending is to set a realistic budget. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has a great budget planning tool to help you keep track of how much you spend this holiday season.
2. Decorate wisely. Avoid buying brand-new decorations and explore thrift shops or try making your own decorations.
3. Plan your meals. Plan your meals ahead of time and try to build your shopping list around whatâs on sale. Consider a non-traditional holiday meal so you can make the most of whatâs in your fridge or whatâs on sale.
4. Pick quality over quantity. Consider giving one thoughtful gift instead of multiple small knickknacks that can easily add up.
5. Make, donât buy. Knitting and other homemade crafts are a thoughtful way to give your loved ones something unique.
6. Skip the gifts. Some people prefer to skip gifts altogether and focus on spending time with loved ones. Here are some alternatives to gift giving that can save you money and stress:
- Potluck. Make a meal where everyone contributes a dish.
- Activities. Plan events like snowshoeing, a board game night, movie nights, or a walk around your neighbourhood to check out the lights.
- Thrift store gifts. Make a rule with your friends that all gifts must be thrifted. Pick a fun item and give a backstory for why you chose it.
- Nostalgic gift giving. Give someone something meaningful from your past
7. Get resourceful and reuse. Use old gift wraps, newspapers, or reusable boxes for wrapping gifts. Think about if the gifts youâre giving can be used multiple times or a single use item that will be thrown away.
Where to go for more information
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canadaâs website has great tips, resources, and tools to help you save money.
Explore our website for more info on which topics we can help you with directly.
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About Consumer Protection BC
We are not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we canât help you directly, we will try to offer a referral to a relevant organization, if one exists. Other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.