As Christmas music begins to play and the festive atmosphere of the New Year permeates the streets, consumers face the pleasant "headache" of shopping. Family gatherings, vacations , and long gift lists can quickly deplete year-end bonuses, even plunging many into debt as soon as the new year arrives.
In the context of a volatile economy , the line between enjoying the festivities and overspending is thinner than ever. Trae Bodge, a reputable shopping expert, warns that the most important thing this season is not just finding bargains, but protecting one's personal financial health. She emphasizes that consumers must find ways to save money and absolutely avoid carrying over the debt from the previous season into the new year.
The joy of family reunions at the end of the year often comes with heavy financial pressure on households (Photo: Pexels).
The art of "counter-trend" shopping.
The general mindset of the crowd is often to wait until the last minute, rushing to shop right before the holiday. However, according to experts, this is when you are most likely to be ripped off. Kiersti Torok, a popular content creator known as a "coupon hunter," shares a completely different shopping philosophy: Be ahead of the market or a step behind.
Torok usually plans her gifts months in advance. She buys chocolate and candy for Christmas right after Halloween is over – a time when supermarkets clear out their stock at incredibly low prices. Even further ahead, she buys her decorations for next year's holiday season right after this year's.
According to Torok, if you patiently wait about 2-3 days after Christmas, discounts can reach up to 75%. This is the golden time to stock up on gifts for birthdays or events in the coming year. This approach requires discipline, but its effectiveness in protecting your wallet is undeniable.
Don't blindly trust AI when comparing prices.
In the digital age, buying something without comparing prices is considered wasteful. Expert Trae Bodge advises consumers to take full advantage of technology to avoid overpaying. She recommends installing browser extensions such as PayPal Honey or Rakuten to automatically find discount codes or receive cashback.
However, there's a point worth noting regarding artificial intelligence (AI). While AI is trending for finding gift ideas, Bodge warns users against leaving their wallets entirely to these tools. According to her, current AI search tools aren't sensitive enough to updating promotions in real time.
Instead, manual methods such as directly accessing the store's website or discount code sites like RetailMeNot still offer greater accuracy. Patience is key: if you haven't found a price you like, wait or search elsewhere instead of rushing to "make a purchase".
Party strategy: Stock up and "hunt" for coupons.
If you're the one hosting family gatherings at the end of the year, food costs can easily become a "black hole" in your budget. Alli Powell, an expert on budget shopping, suggests a strategy of buying in bulk and freezing. Large supermarket chains often launch deep discounts around Christmas and New Year. This is an ideal time to buy cheap food and freeze it for later use.
Sharing the same view, Kiersti Torok emphasized the power of coupons. While hunting for coupons might take some time, it can save you hundreds of dollars on groceries.
For those new to the world of promotions and feeling overwhelmed, Torok advises taking small steps: Just download the app of your most familiar store. Most supermarkets now have digital coupons on their apps.
Once you've gotten the hang of it, you can upgrade your strategy by comparing prices between supermarkets in your area and using cashback apps when buying groceries.
Beware of the "sweet trap" of credit cards.
The bustling shopping atmosphere is also when salespeople use tactics like inviting customers to open store-linked credit cards or use "Buy now, pay later" services with immediate discounts on their orders. This is when consumers need to keep a cool head.
Expert Trae Bodge frankly advises that you should only open a store credit card if you have extremely disciplined financial habits and are certain to pay off your balance in full each month. Otherwise, the exorbitant interest rates of these cards will quickly erode any savings you've accumulated from initial discounts. Furthermore, opening new cards will also negatively impact your credit score.
Similarly, the "buy now, pay later" model is booming but also carries significant risks. Soon, these types of loans will be reported to credit scoring organizations (such as FICO). This means even a slight delay in payment could negatively impact your financial record.
Think carefully before opening a store credit card or shopping with a buy now, pay later option (Image: The Motley Fool).
Peak season travel: Flexibility is king.
Finally, for those planning a holiday trip, Kyle Potter from Thrifty Traveler points out a classic mistake: booking hotels before booking flights. Being rigid about departure dates is the enemy of your wallet.
To optimize costs, Potter advises travelers to book flights in advance to maintain flexibility. During peak season, even a one-day change in flight schedule can result in a significant price difference. Use tools like Google Flights to track price fluctuations and book your accommodation as soon as a good deal is available.
In short, saving money during the holiday season doesn't mean cutting back on fun, but rather shifting from impulsive spending to strategic spending. By applying these small but insightful tips, consumers can fully enjoy the holiday season without worrying about their bills when the new year arrives.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/chi-tieu-dip-le-nhung-bay-tai-chinh-khien-ban-rong-tui-sang-nam-moi-20251213220635920.htm
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