LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The holiday season is one of the happiest times of the year -- but pressure to spend can also make it one of the most stressful.
Courtney Snow with the Louisville Mom Collective said with a little planning, families can still find ways to save during the holidays.
"While this is the most magical time of the year, it can also be the most expensive," she said.
Saving throughout the year
Snow recommends preparing for holiday costs throughout the year. After Christmas, she suggests getting a box, decorating it, and stashing spare cash for the next year inside.
Snow also said holiday savings accounts from banks and credit unions like L&N are a great way to save electronically.
"It lets you earn some interest and know exactly what you saved up for the year," she said.
You can also try using rebate apps for things you spend money on throughout the year. The apps pay out rewards like cash-back and gift cards that you can use on your holiday gifts.
Plus, there's the time honored tradition of buying presents months in advance.
"We only have one kid, she's a teenager now, but we had a lift top coffee table," Snow said. "She was very good about not going in there. We would stash stuff all year long."
Saving during the holidays
Snow said in the last few years pre-Black Friday deals have become more and more common. She uses Walmart+ to get deals and free shipping ahead of time.
Snow also recommends buying bigger ticket items from stores offering holiday prices matches. Then, if the price on an item goes down after the holidays, you can get cash back.
"We had gotten something and then a few days later the price dropped by $50," Snow said. "Went in and the manager gave me $50 store credit."
When it comes to those higher-priced items like electronics, Snow said looking for trade-in opportunities on older models you no longer need can also help save a chunk of change.
Then, consider that new can also mean new to you. Snow said consignment stores are a great place to look for clothes and toys.
Saving right after Christmas
Lastly, Snow said you can still make the most of post-Christmas deals this year. Her final tip is to give gift cards or cash as presents, then go shopping the day after Christmas. She said lots of stores will have slashed prices on items you would have paid more for before the holiday.
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