As a single parent, Christmas can be both financially and emotionally challenging. You want to make sure your child has a memorable holiday, but you also don’t want to break the bank in the process.
Here are some tips for getting more out of your Christmas shopping budget.
1. Set a budget and stick to it. It is best if you set aside a small amount of money throughout the year that is specific to your Christmas budget, but we know that doesn’t always happen! Figure out how much you have to spend towards Christmas and stay firm on your budget.
2. Shop online for the best deals. If you have a tight budget to stick to, shopping online can make it much easier to save, so you’re not being tempted by all the pretty, shiny things in the store. Finding coupon codes, shopping during flash sales, and using sites like Amazon can help cut your costs. Amazon marketplace is another great place to find deals!
3. Ask family and friends for gift ideas and borrow items when possible. Re-gifting is not necessarily a bad thing! Something thoughtful, but less expensive can go a long way.
4. Wrap presents in creative ways using materials you have around the house. Wrapping paper can be a HUGE cost that you don’t even recognize. Try using old newspapers, paper bags, or recycled shipping boxes to wrap presents.
5. Make your own food and decorations instead of buying them premade. The grocery store will charge you an arm and a leg to simply cut up fruit. Take the extra 15 minutes and cut your own fruits and veggies, make ahead a dessert, or put together your own cheese and cracker board. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make something delicious!
6. Plan ahead so you’re not rushed or stressed out during the holidays. Shopping throughout the year and “stashing” away the presents is a good strategy. That way, when Christmas comes, all you have to do is wrap them and stick it under the tree. Plus, you’re likely to get better deals when you buy things when they’re on sale, rather than waiting for them right before Christmas.
Following these tips should help ease the financial burden of Christmas shopping as a single parent. If you’re looking for more support, join us at one of our Transform Your Life conferences at https://www.jillzambon.com/opportunities/conferences . Here, you’ll be able to connect with other single parents and learn practical tips for managing your finances, emotional well-being, and more. You don’t have to do this holiday season alone – we’re here to help!
__________
About Jillian Zambon
Dr. Catherine Jackson – Licensed clinical psychologist & Board certified neuro therapist
My story is really the same as any single parent you’ll meet, we just all have our own flavor of trials and tribulations. After abruptly finding myself a single mom in 2014, I set out on a mission to make more money than I ever had, and be more successful than I had ever been.
I refused the idea that my daughter and I were going to go without, just because we had a 1-parent household. I created Single Parent Solutions as a place for single parents to come and learn how others have been successful, and most importantly, how to earn time and financial freedom.