Simple Ways To Save Money This Holiday Season

It’s pretty clear the holidays are coming, and fast. It’s an exciting time with festive gatherings of family and friends, gift giving and cooking up a storm. But, unfortunately, as much fun as the holidays are, the endless celebrating does have a tendency to leave your bank account and credit cards feeling a little stretched – and sometimes to max capacity. From selective gift-giving to getting creative with your party outfits, here are a few simple ways to save money this holiday season and head into 2015 feeling confident about the state of your wallet.

Start a budget. There’s no doubt that knowing what you’re spending helps control spending, so giving yourself a budget is the best way to reel things in and keep track. Sit down with your finances and figure out exactly what you can allocate to each holiday related expense. Think in terms of categories: gifts for family, gifts for friends, holiday baking and cooking and party clothes. Then, stick to your budget!

Investigate online before you hit the stores.  Check out online shopping portals like SHOP.COM for price comparisons of your favorite stores.  A little time spent researching where to get the best deal could save you money and stretch your budget.  Most stores offer the same sales online as they do "in-store" so you don't have to brave the crowds or the winter weather!

Get creative and DIY ready with gift-giving. With so many great ideas out there (you really don’t have to look any further than Pinterest!), you can get your DIY gifting on, stat. If breaking out the craft supplies really isn’t your thing – think baking and other treats you can concoct in the kitchen. Everyone loves getting a batch of homemade cookies or some delicious spiced nuts.

Hosting a holiday soiree? Go potluck! Your friends and family will love this as it helps them to feel like they’re contributing and bringing the gift of something yummy to the table. To be sure you cover all the dinner, dessert and drinks bases send out a sign-up sheet with your invites. That way everyone can coordinate their contributions to the event.

Get creative with the clothes you already own. Thinking you need new party outfits for every event you’re attending this season? Think again. Get in that closet and think outside the box in terms of pairing up items to create a great look. Have a great little black dress? Wear that to everything, simply change up shoes and accessories for a different look each time.

Go DIY when it comes to hair, nails and other beauty expenses during the holidays. Cutting back on the mani/pedis and blowouts is a great way to put some extra dough in your pockets to use on gift-giving and other holiday expenses you wouldn’t normally have during the rest of the year. You certainly have to look good – but prioritizing is the best place to start.

So? How about you – what’s your plan for saving some cash this holiday season?