
This year, we’ll collectively fork out $465 billion on holiday spending. Of all that cash, about 43% is spent on travel, and another 41% on gifts. Saving in those two areas alone can really help make a difference in your wallet.
A few things the airlines don’t want you to know
When you figure that Americans will spend more than $6 million on air travel during the holiday season, the costs can seem unavoidable. But if you follow a few simple rules, you could save hundreds.
- Avoid buying a ticket for the Friday before Christmas
- Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Sundays on off-peak hours
- Search tickets for one passenger at a time – airlines tend to jack up the prices when you buy for more than one.
- Clear your browser history, or search incognito. The more airlines learn about you, the more they learn about where your spending habits and the more they can skew the prices based on what they know about you.
Online hacks that’ll help save your wallet
It’s a digital world. And that makes shopping a whole lot easier, but it also opens up the opportunity for huge savings.
- Take Honey for example. It’s a Google Chrome extension that tests every coupon code available, so you don’t have to.
- Amazon Prime is only $99/yr, and it currently gives you free shipping on a ton of things listed on the site – which has some of the most competitive prices already
Go for thoughtful, not pricey
Putting more thought into a gift means you can spend a little less. Say your coworker loves elephants – buy him the elephant socks you know he’d never buy for himself. Same goes with magazine subscriptions. If your dad loves boating, get him a boating magazine – it’s a gift that keeps giving, year-round. Or you can gift what you’re good at – get crafty. Yeah, pecan pie bakers, we’re looking at you. Even if you’ve never tried out a DIY, it’s worth a visit to Pinterest for some inspiration. Sometimes a meaningful gift goes a lot further than one with a high price tag.
Charities need your time, not just your cash
You can give charity a hand without breaking the bank – just give some of your time. And it’s a great way to spend time with your friends and family too. You could volunteer as a group at a food shelter or soup kitchen – or you can look for local opportunities on Volunteermatch.
Comment on this article
Comments
Greg y. on December 13, 2016 at 5:52pm
How about refinancing my vehicle at a lower rate
Berson R. on December 13, 2016 at 6:29pm
I want to be a part of it
Susana S. on December 13, 2016 at 7:57pm
Nice but when you don't have money to buy No one nothing it is Sad and you can not go see your Husband cause you are taking care of your disabled brother cause you promised your Mom before she left you are going to take care of him cause no one would. I thank you Ally for giving tips on how to save money may God be with you all and your family.
Phyllis on December 13, 2016 at 10:43pm
Enjoyed the helpful knowledge and hints....didn't know airlines charge more for double than single air fare.... Thanks...
Lydia K. on December 14, 2016 at 2:22am
I absolutely loved all the informarion provided because from now on I'll be doing some things a little differently. Thanks ally!
Laura A. on December 14, 2016 at 6:34am
Great article! Very informative.
Ally on December 14, 2016 at 10:41am
Hi Greg, please give us a call at 1-888-925-2559 and we'd be happy to discuss your account with you.
Ally on December 14, 2016 at 10:47am
You're welcome, Susana! We hope you found these tips to be useful. Thanks for reading!
Ally on December 14, 2016 at 10:52am
We're glad you enjoyed the article, Phyllis! Thanks for reading!
Ally on December 14, 2016 at 10:53am
Hi Lydia, you're so welcome! We love helping you save!
Ally on December 14, 2016 at 10:56am
Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your thoughts! We hope these tips can help you save a little around the holidays.
Louis on December 14, 2016 at 11:05am
Thank you it was very helpful, especially about booing flights and clearing your browser.
Mary O. on December 14, 2016 at 6:48pm
This gave me many things to consider. It is so easy to over extend your budget. The best thing to do is to stay within your budget and your family , friends and neighbors will still be happy. It is the thought that counts. Just try and be creative.
Mayra S. on December 14, 2016 at 11:18pm
I think that this app have really good ideas especially with their customers. In addition this bank cares about their customers benefits.
Linda K. on December 15, 2016 at 12:28am
It would have been great to be able to skip the December payment. A little extra for this month would have been greatly appreciated. Besides Christmas expenses, I also have home insurance, and car registration due in December. Something to think about next Christmas time.
Jerry c. on December 15, 2016 at 2:44am
Great and informative
B on December 15, 2016 at 8:56am
Amazon Prime gives you free shipping on non-Amazon sites as well. Not sure if there is a published list of these places, but I stumbled upon on: Allsaints clothing. I was checking out, saw the check out with Amazon button, and ended up getting free shipping too!
George P. on December 15, 2016 at 11:05am
Very nice job! Thanks for the thoughtful articles.
Ally on December 15, 2016 at 1:22pm
Thank you for reading, Louis! We hope some of these tips can help you save!
Ally on December 15, 2016 at 1:33pm
Those are great words of advice, Mary! Here's to hoping your holiday is warm and bright, and still in your budget!
Ally on December 15, 2016 at 1:39pm
Thanks for the compliment, Mayra!
Ally on December 15, 2016 at 1:41pm
Thanks, Jerry!
Ally on December 15, 2016 at 1:43pm
That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing.
Ally on December 15, 2016 at 1:47pm
Hi George, thanks for the kudos! We hope they help you save!
kat on December 17, 2016 at 7:18pm
I appreciate all these tips but I would have appreciated them more had they come a couple weeks ago.
Fred S. on January 5, 2017 at 1:41pm
Would like to by a used truck and add it the my loan. Around 5000
Ally on January 5, 2017 at 1:56pm
Hi Fred, please give us a call at 1-888-925-2559 and a member of our team can look into your specific account and discuss.