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Ways to help you save money over the holidays
Tis the season for joyous mingling but also spending. With a little bit of planning, there are ways to help you save money over the holidays, so that maybe you can continue to be merry after the holidays when the bills start to trickle in.
5 Tips to stay in control of your spending over the holidays
1. Build a budget that’s right for you
Setting a budget can help you keep your spending in check during the holidays. You'll want to include a list of who you're buying for as well as the amount you plan to spend on each gift. Try to stick to your plan as much as possible. (After all, it can be easy to get carried away when trying to find the perfect present.) There may be other expenses you'll need to consider too. If you're hosting a party, for example, there's the cost of food, drinks and mistletoe or other decorations. Or you may want to set aside some money for charitable giving. Want more holiday budgeting advice? Check out these ideas from TD Newsroom.
2. Gift like a pro
While friends and family are priceless, the gifts you buy them are not. If something is on your favourite cousin's wish list that's beyond your budget, keep an eye out for sales like those held on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But also, don’t discount the value of giving something you’ve made yourself or the gift of contributing your time. Need help deciding who gets a gift and how much to spend? Check out these gift giving tips from TD Newsroom.
3. Keep your spending on track
Tracking your spending habits can help you see where your money is really going during the holidays. Take advantage of tools like the TD MySpend app that lets you see your TD deposit and credit card account information in real time.
4. Communication is key
In some households, families avoid talking openly about holiday spending. It doesn’t have to be that way. Talk to your family ahead of time and decide together to set clear spending limits. Need help getting started? Check out TD Newsroom's article explaining how you can handle four potentially awkward money conversations over the holidays.
5. Have ‘the talk" with your kids
The holidays are a good opportunity to talk to your kids about money. According to a 2017 TD study*, 94% of Canadian parents say they're the biggest influence on how their kids develop money management skills. As they join you in holiday shopping this year, you can help teach good spending habits and explain the importance of budgeting. Here are some fun ways to teach kids about money.
Make the most of the holiday season
When you come into the holidays with a savings strategy, you can celebrate the season knowing you have a game plan to help avoid overspending. Planning your holiday budget ahead of time can help you feel more at ease with your finances.
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*TD Bank Group commissioned Environics Research to conduct an online survey of 1,101 Canadian adult parents with a child aged 4-17 currently living in their household. Responses were collected between September 19 and 26, 2017.