MONEYSAVING DO'S AND DON'TS
Reader's Digest US|November 2024
The run-up to the holidays doesn't have to bah-humbug your budget. A shopping expert shares strategies for saving big now and all year round.
Lisa Lee Freeman
MONEYSAVING DO'S AND DON'TS

'TIS THE SEASON FOR ... spending, or so it seems, as we look ahead to the end-of-year holidays and start shelling out money left and right for decorations, presents, food, and on and on. This year will be especially tough on budgets, with credit card debt at record levels as shoppers try to keep up with stubbornly high prices on just about everything.

To keep more of your money in your pocket, follow these do's and don'ts. Starting some good habits now can take you into the new year without the holiday spending hangover and give you a head start on your New Year's resolutions.

DO CLEAN UP DURING SEASONAL SALES Companies know we're shopping a lot at the end of the year, so they're all trying to lure us to shop their stores and sites. You can find a lot of good deals, but you'll want to start with a plan. Black Friday, which occurs on the Friday after Thanksgiving, isn't the only bargain shopping day around anymore, but it is when lots of brands start to get serious about moving their holiday stock. Fortunately, you no longer have to wake before dawn and queue up in front of the store to score the best deals. You'll also find sales leading up to Black Friday and continuing through what's now called Cyber Week. Other days to save include Free Shipping Day, the final day before Christmas to get free shipping at many retailers (Dec. 14), and Super Saturday, aka Panic Saturday, aka the Saturday before Christmas Eve (Dec. 21).

TIP Make a list, including models and features you want. Keep in mind that on Black Friday, the models on sale might not have all the features you want, so determine which are important to you.

DON'T BE BLINDED BY BIG MARKDOWNS

Esta historia es de la edición November 2024 de Reader's Digest US.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición November 2024 de Reader's Digest US.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE READER'S DIGEST USVer todo
A New Way to Monitor Blood Sugar
Reader's Digest US

A New Way to Monitor Blood Sugar

Who can benefit from this wearable technology

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
A Flag for Dad
Reader's Digest US

A Flag for Dad

An old sailor made a last wish. His son was determined to see that it came true.

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Sisterhood to Last a Lifetime
Reader's Digest US

Sisterhood to Last a Lifetime

These college pals teach a master class in how to maintain a friendship for 50-plus years

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
...TO DIE ON A HOCKEY RINK
Reader's Digest US

...TO DIE ON A HOCKEY RINK

ONE MINUTE I WAS PLAYING IN MY BEER LEAGUE, THE NEXT I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL

time-read
9 minutos  |
November 2024
Yes, There's a Museum for That!
Reader's Digest US

Yes, There's a Museum for That!

These collections are wacky, wonderful and worth a visit

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
Town Meeting Is Called!
Reader's Digest US

Town Meeting Is Called!

Once a year, the people of Elmore, Vermont, gather to practice a cherished right: democracy

time-read
8 minutos  |
November 2024
Just Tight
Reader's Digest US

Just Tight

Broken, battered and trapped in a ravine for days, a desperate driver wonders, \"Will anyone find me?\"

time-read
9 minutos  |
November 2024
Election Day Memories
Reader's Digest US

Election Day Memories

Stories about voting by the people, for the people

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
WHY OUR BODIES DON'T DIG DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Reader's Digest US

WHY OUR BODIES DON'T DIG DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Twice a year, when we spring ahead and fall back, we're more prone to sleepiness, depression and accidents

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 2024
MONEYSAVING DO'S AND DON'TS
Reader's Digest US

MONEYSAVING DO'S AND DON'TS

The run-up to the holidays doesn't have to bah-humbug your budget. A shopping expert shares strategies for saving big now and all year round.

time-read
10 minutos  |
November 2024