Save Money This Holiday Season

Soon jingle bells will be playing, pies baking and as sure as jolly old St. Nick likes to shimmy down the chimney to deliver gifts, wallets will be emptying to help pay for the holidays. Check out these tips on how to save money during the holiday season:

Make a List & Check it Twice

Create an Online Budget and stick to it! You can choose to create one standard “holiday” budget or several for different expenses such as travel, gift and party costs. Our Trends Personal Finance Manager in Online Banking allows you to create budgets, set goals and closely monitor your spending; all while managing your day to day finances.

Download Apps like Remember the Milk™ to create gift & grocery lists that can easily be viewed from your mobile device and home computer. You can also use the app for quick reminders, such as dates of holiday parties, concerts and when to pick up Mom & Dad from the airport.

Save Money With Generic Goodies

Brand names add up quickly in the grocery cart. To save money consider buying generic brands or shopping at stores like Aldi and Dollar Tree for items such as canned goods, baking staples, broths and dairy products for creating your favorite holiday dishes and Christmas Cookies. And save even more by inviting your guests to bring a favorite dish to pass around the dinner table – you may even discover a new holiday favorite!

Use the Good Stuff & Save Money

Save money and delight your guests by dusting off the china, crystal, silver and table linens for holiday parties. By ditching paper plates, napkins and plastic dinnerware, you’re adding a touch of elegance, helping the environment and most importantly saving cash – it doesn’t seem like a lot, but a few dollars here and there adds up quickly.

Save Money on Holiday Greetings

Save the costs of postage, greeting cards and invitations by emailing free digital holiday cards from companies like Blue Mountain, evite or Jibjab– animated Jibjab cards allow you to insert photos of your family in fun musical numbers that would even make Scrooge smile.

Or for an extra-special holiday greeting, have your children make cards and invites to send to family & friends.

Save Money Lighting Up the Night

Save up to 80% in energy costs when you create your holiday light masterpieces by stringing LED holiday lights over traditional electric bulbs. Plus, save even more by plugging your holiday lights and Christmas Trees into an electronic timer to turn them off when no one is around to enjoy them.

To Grandmother’s House We Go

Planning a road trip over the holidays? Download the Gas Buddy App to help you find the best prices for gasoline, sometimes just a block or two off the interstate. You’ll be able to view the current price, location, have access to a Trip Cost Calculator and more!

Traveling outside the U.S. this holiday season? Use a DuPage Credit Union Visa® Credit Card to avoid  International Transaction Fees – saving you up to 4% on purchases.

What are some of your favorite tips & apps to help save money during the holiday season? Please share below: