With the recession affecting just about everyone's wallets this year, traditional bargain hunters will likely have increased competition for the best deals. In fact, a recent survey found that 63 percent of shoppers plan to cut back on holiday spending this year.
If you are one of those shoppers trying to make your money go further, Discover has some insider tips to help you save money and time this holiday season, and beyond.
Plan ahead
First things first, identify the people on your holiday gift list and include ideas of what to get them, as well as where you should go to shop. If you're planning to visit multiple stores during the holiday season, map your route before you get in the car to minimize the amount of time you spend driving. Figuring out the most direct routes from store to store can save you time and gas money.
Stick to a budget
It's a simple thing that many of us just don't do. Before you make one holiday gift purchase, make sure you spend some time determining how much you want to spend this holiday season and how each item will fit into your gift budget. If you are not sure where to start, you can often find holiday spending worksheets online that can help guide you.
Get the most out of online purchases
Buying online is another way to save time and money during the holiday season, and it doesn't require finding a parking space. Many e-retailers offer promotional codes that give you discounts at check-out or free shipping. There are also ways to get extra cash while you shop online. For instance, Discover cardmembers can earn double cash back through the end of the year on purchases of up to $1,000 when they use their card to buy gifts anywhere online.
Don't forget about gift cards
If you are like many people, you may have a gift card or two lying around the house. A good way to use those cards is to put them toward the purchase of a gift for someone special.
Use lay-away
More and more stores are offering law-away programs. These programs allow you to choose your purchases early and to pay them off incrementally until you're ready to pick them up. This is perfect for ensuring you get what you're shopping for before it sells out.
For more information on Discover's double cash back bonus program visit www.Discover.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
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