Tips for smart holiday shopping

All of a sudden, you’ve begun hearing holiday music on the radio and seeing decorations in stores. Guess what? It’s time to make your list, check it twice, and start shopping. But even those with the best intentions can get caught up in the holiday shopping madness. Follow these tips to make your holiday shopping as stress-free as possible.

1. Make a list. Before you head to the stores, write down what you intend to get for your friends and loved ones, along with backup ideas in case you can’t find everything on your list.
2. Plan ahead. Check the Internet and/or newspaper ads to compare prices and products on your list before heading out the door, so you’ll know where to go to get the best deals.
3. Avoid peak shopping hours. If you’re going to venture into stores instead of shopping online, avoid the crowds by shopping during stores’ early and late extended hours.
4. Dress comfortably. You’ll likely be walking quite a bit, around parking lots, to stores, and around the mall. From your head to your feet, make sure you’re prepared to walk on hard surfaces and in varying temperatures.
5. Go for the deals. Try the stores after 6:00 p.m. the night before a sale is advertised to begin. In some cases, the registers may already be programmed with the sale. Also, if you have coupons or ads for specific advertised items, bring them with you to avoid any confusion.
6. Treat yourself. Keep the wants and needs of others in mind as you make selections, but don’t be afraid to take advantage of holiday promotions if you spot something you need for yourself.
7. Keep paperwork. Ask for gift receipts and staple them to the merchandise tags, in case something needs to be returned or exchanged. If an item has a warranty, keep the warranty paperwork with original receipts for the life of the warranty.
8. Stay safe. Keep your cash and credit cards in a safe place while you shop. When paying cash, pull out only what you need, not your entire stash. As you make your way from store to store, don’t forget to keep an eye on your purchases. If you plan to take trips to your car to lighten your load, park near a light and place your items out of sight.
9. Be prepared. Even if you take all the precautions, be prepared for the unexpected. You could lose a credit card while shopping. Make sure you have your credit or debit card information stored in a safe place at home, along with customer service phone numbers and account numbers.
10. Wrap it up. Save time by letting the local charity group at the mall wrap your gifts for you. Some stores also include free gift wrapping with your purchase, so be sure to ask sales associates.

You may be ready to tackle your holiday shopping, but are you wondering how you’ll pay for your holiday gifts? Find great resources and articles to help you manage your budget in the Budget section of the Resources page on My HPE Financial Wellness.

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