Tag Archives: holiday savings

5 Hacks For Holiday Saving

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The holidays are upon us and that means more money will be spent! However, be careful not to go too far outside of your budget. Heartland Bank has compiled our favorite holiday savings hacks to help you keep more money in your pocket this season.

Avoid Extras

When buying food for the holidays or gifts for others, it can be really easy to treat yourself and get something too. Stop buying extra items, like that latte or new pair of shoes, and begin being a super saver. Make a list of what you need when you go shopping and stick to it! Work on self-control each week when going to work to be sure you aren’t stopping for coffee or going shopping during your lunch break.

Change Traditions

Instead of the tradition of giving everyone gifts in your family or being the one to make the entire meal, change it up! Start a secret Santa tradition, so you only have to buy one gift. Make your holiday meals more of a potluck, so others can bring food. This will save you from having to spend money on an entire meal for lots of people.

You can also use this tip for your activities too. Go sledding, bake cookies together or watch a movie at home while sipping hot chocolate. You’re still enjoying the holidays with friends and family, but not losing money on pricey activities.

Make a Shopping List (And Check It Twice)

Don’t be naughty and stray from your list. Making a list is more valuable than you think. Keep your eye on the prize of what you need exactly, so you aren’t walking aimlessly down the aisles filling your cart. From the moment you walk in the store, potential gifts pull at your senses and vie for your attention and dollars. Your list will help keep that in check!

Get Crafty

Instead of buying all your gifts, make one! Your little niece will love the tie blanket or quilt you made her. There are also tons of jar recipes that you can make for people of any age. You could create a hot chocolate mix, cake in a cup and so on. Here’s an example! 

Use Technology

Time and time again, technology continues to impress us! There are so many budgeting apps and spending trackers out there to help you with your finances. It may take a month to get into the swing of things, but if you stick with it, your savings will be sure to skyrocket!

Happy Holidays! Enjoy them a little more by knowing you’re keeping cash in the bank. Now that you’re working on your finances, be sure to check out our accounts. They are the next step to financial success!

Have You Thought About These Holiday Saving Hacks?

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It’s the holidays! As they come closer, you’ll want to be preparing your budget for the food and presents you’re buying. But, be careful not to overspend! Here are our top sanity-saving holiday hacks to follow.

Be Frugal Online

Use cashback apps like Ibotta and Ebates when you shop online for the holidays to save money and earn bonuses. There are also ways to earn free gift cards online when you take surveys, such as using a program like Swagbucks.

Simplify Your Giving

Don’t go all out and buy new clothes for everyone. Think of simple and sweet gifts, like a dessert platter full of your family member’s favorite sweet treats. You can also decide to do no gifts and just play a family giving game like White Elephant.

Use An App

You can use apps like ShopSavvy to do your comparison shopping. Just scan the item’s barcode with your phone, and the app will tell you if you can find that item for less at another store. You can also use your phone to download a budget app, as this will help you keep your spending for the holiday meals and gifts in check.

Save On Shipping

Chris Hogan, a personal finance expert, states, “The U.S. Postal Service offers flat-rate boxes in different sizes, so pack as much as you can into a box (within weight limits) and save on shipping. Or take advantage of free shipping offers when you buy online.”

Invest in Experiences

Instead of spending money on gifts and family get-togethers, talk about doing a trip or finding something fun close to home to experience. There are plenty of great adventures you can find for you and your family to do – without spending extra money on presents and meals.

Survive this holiday season with these tips and tricks! Staying within your budget means you need to keep a handle on your expenses, even during these times. Our savings accounts are great places to store some of that cash, so you don’t go spending it all at once!