It’s that time of the year again! The snow is falling, the fire is roaring, the tree is up, and the bills…well, you’d rather not think about those. It’s supposed to be a time filled with joy and giving, but it’s kind of hard to really lose yourself in the magic when you’re concerned about money spent. If you’re one of the thousands of people who rent in the city, you may be worried about how you’re going to make your monthly payments. If you’re a homeowner, you are probably feeling the same way. Don’t fret, there are ways to save money around the holidays, even if you must get a little creative!
Bundle Up
It’s oh so cold outside, but delightfully warm in your home…what harm could come from cranking up the thermostat? Well, if you’re looking to save money on your bills so you can splurge a bit more on presents, you may think twice before turning the dial. Heating and electricity prices typically go up during the winter, and the hike in price can vary depending on what type of gas is in your home. If you’d like to avoid this payment increase the best you can, consider piling up the blankets, grabbing your slippers and a hot beverage, and snuggling up by a nice candle. You’ll stay warm and cozy without breaking the bank.
Get Crafty
While it’s an awesome feeling to buy someone the gift they’ve been begging to have, it’s just as rewarding to give them something from the heart. If you’ve got a creative hand, you may want to consider making gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. Of course, this will take some extra planning and time, but that makes it even more special. With some inexpensive supplies, you can make a unique gift that looks just as good as anything you can buy in the store. Gift buying is usually what puts people out the most during the holidays, and if you’re like me, you want to buy your friends everything their hearts desire. Unfortunately, that isn’t always feasible this time of the year, especially with other bills to pay. A handmade gift is the more difficult option but it’s definitely the most rewarding and financially friendly. Not only will you come up with an inexpensive gift from the heart, you may surprise yourself with your skills too! And if arts and crafts really isn’t your scene, suggest a Secret Santa or gift exchange with your friends. This way, everyone gets a gift, but you don’t have to spend on everyone.
Do Things Family Style
Hosting around the holidays can be super fun, but also incredibly stressful for you and your wallet. Running around getting decorations, food, drinks, party games, it adds up quickly. Why not take some of the stress off your plate and have a potluck? This way, every guest can feel like they are contributing to the party and you save some time and money in the process. This is something to keep in mind if you are planning for a New Year’s Eve get together. While it is nice to have the lavish experience of champagne and fancy night clubs, getting together at home will save you money and be a more comfortable experience. Just turn on the TV, pop the bubbly and watch the ball drop from the comfort of your own home!
The holidays don’t have to be a time to fear your credit cards and bills, there are lots of ways to keep the magic alive on a budget. With a little help from friends, a little creativity, and a lot of hot chocolate, you should be able to make it through without breaking the bank. Hopefully these three tips will inspire you to be festively frugal!
About Nancy Savio – 4Rent.ca
Nancy Savio is a Contributing Editor for Media Classified, the parent company of 4Rent.ca. 4Rent has been successfully connecting apartment hunters and property managers since 2009. Prospective tenants can explore a variety of rental listings across Canada, including condo-like apartments, single home-dwellings, student housing and more.
