The following is a sponsored collaboration with Rakuten, my favorite cashback app. You can sign up for Rakuten by clicking here and you can get a $40 sign up bonus when you make a qualifying purchase. The holiday season is one of the happiest times of the year, but it can also be…
The following is a sponsored collaboration with Rakuten, my favorite cashback app. You can sign up for Rakuten by clicking here and you can get a $40 sign up bonus when you make a qualifying purchase.
The holiday season is one of the happiest times of the year, but it can also be expensive. Between gifts, decorations, travel and food, it’s easy to spend more than you planned.
The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to celebrate.
With the right strategies, you can save money while making this holiday season magical. Let’s dive into my top tips, starting with my absolute favorite way to save –Rakuten.
How to save money this holiday shopping season
Below are my favorite ways to save money during the holiday shopping season.
1. Get cash back on your holiday shopping with Rakuten
I used Rakuten years and it’s my favorite money saving tool. Just this past holiday I earned over $200 in cash back shopping for gifts for my family. I especially love it for big purchases – like when I set my husband back $90 on a kayak.
Rakuten is an essential tool for saving money while shopping. If you haven’t heard of it, Rakuten is a free cashback site and app that rewards you for shopping at your favorite stores. It works with over 3,500 big-name brands like Nike, Macy’s, Walmart, Target, Old Navy and Adidas, so chances are the stores you already shop at are on the list.
Here’s how it works: when you shop through Rakuten, stores pay Rakuten a commission and Rakuten shares a portion of that with you as cash back. Depending on the store, you can earn anywhere from 1% to over 15%. For example, I recently earned $90 back when I bought a kayak online through Rakuten. These savings add up quickly, especially during the holidays when spending increases.
To get started, sign up for a free Rakuten account. You can shop directly through their website, use their app, or install their browser extension that automatically finds and redeems the best cash-back offers and coupon codes for you. Pro tip: use browser extensions whenever you shop online so you never miss out on savings.
Another reason I love Rakuten is how easy it is to get paid. You can choose to get your money back via PayPal or check. Additionally, Rakuten is currently offering a $40 sign-up bonus (this is a limited-time holiday offer) for new members who make a qualifying purchase, so now is the perfect time to join.
You can sign up for Rakuten by clicking here and get a $40 sign up bonus when you make a qualifying purchase.
Action tip: Start your holiday shopping list and explore which of your favorite stores are paying cash back through Rakuten. Then make it a habit to shop through Rakuten for every purchase to maximize your savings.
2. Create a vacation budget
The best way to avoid overspending during the holidays is to create a clear budget. You can start by writing down all your holiday expenses, including gifts, decorations, food, travel and even small items like stockings or wrapping paper – you can do this on a piece of paper or on your phone/laptop. Once you have a total, divide your budget into categories and set spending limits for each.
For example, if you plan to spend $500 on gifts, break it down further by deciding how much to spend on each person. Putting these limits in place will prevent you from going overboard when you’re tempted to splurge on last-minute items.
Action tip: Write down a budget before shopping and carry it with you. Check it regularly to make sure you stay on track.
3. Shop during sales and plan ahead
Sales are one of the easiest ways to save money on holiday shopping. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are famous for deals, but many stores offer discounts throughout the season. Start looking for sales early to take advantage of lower prices before they sell out.
Another way to save money is to call the price. Many shops will appreciate a competitor’s lower price if you show them proof, so it’s worth checking prices at multiple sellers.
When shopping during sales, make sure you only buy what you need. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of discounts and buy things you didn’t plan on, which can lead to overspending.
Action tip: Create a shopping plan with key sale dates like Black Friday or pre-holiday sales and plan to shop for specific items on those days to avoid impulse purchases.
4. Stack coupons and promo codes
One of my favorite holiday shopping wins was when I combined a 20% off coupon, free shipping, and Rakuten cash back to save over $150 on one item recently. I always check for promo codes before I buy and the Rakuten browser extension makes it easy to find them.
One of the smartest ways to save money is to combine coupons with cash back offers. Most stores allow you to use coupons on top of discounts and cash back, which means even more savings for you.
If you’re shopping in-store, spend a few minutes searching for coupons online before you shop. Many stores will scan a digital coupon from your phone, so you don’t have to print anything.
Action tip: Combine Rakuten cash back with store-specific coupons or promo codes for maximum savings.
5. Give thoughtful or DIY gifts
A few years ago, I created photo books for my family members full of family vacation memories. Each photo book cost me about $20 to make, but the response was priceless. Thoughtful gifts like these can mean so much more than something expensive.
Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. In fact, some of the most memorable gifts are homemade or experience-based. For example, you can bake cookies, create a notebook or knit a scarf. If you’re crafty, handmade gifts are a great way to show your love without breaking the bank.
Another budget-friendly option is experience-based gifts. You can babysit a friend, cook a nice dinner for your parents, or plan a family game night.
Action tip: Make a list of DIY gift ideas that match your skill level and start gathering materials now. This will save you time and stress as the holidays are approaching.
6. Avoid buy now pay later services
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services have become popular, especially during the holidays. These services allow you to split your purchase into smaller payments over several weeks or months. While this may seem like a great way to afford gifts, it can lead to trouble if you’re not careful. BNPL is causing many people to spend too much money, unfortunately,
The biggest risk with BNPL is that you don’t feel like you are spending real money. Since you’re not paying the full amount upfront, it’s easy to lose track of how much you owe. Many people use these services at multiple stores, which can result in juggling several payments at once. If you miss a payment, you could face late fees and your credit score could even take a hit.
Instead of relying on BNPL, focus on sticking to your holiday budget. Ask yourself if you can afford to pay for the item in full right now. If the answer is no, it’s a good idea to reconsider your purchase. Another strategy is to save for items well in advance so that you are not tempted to use BNPL services.
Action tip: The next time you are tempted by the BNPL option, stop and calculate the total cost of your current outstanding payments (if you have any). This will give you a clear picture of your financial obligations and help you decide if you can really afford the purchase. Focus on buying only what fits in your budget to avoid financial stress after the holidays.
Enjoy the holidays without overspending – summary
With these tips, you can celebrate the holidays without worrying about your finances. By using Rakuten, budgeting, shopping early, and getting creative with your gifts, you’ll be able to stretch every dollar while enjoying the season.
The holidays are such a special time, and I’ve learned that they don’t have to cost a fortune to be memorable. By focusing on what matters—time with loved ones—and using these strategies, you can enjoy the season without financial stress.
Don’t forget to sign up for Rakuten today – it’s free, easy to use and comes with a $40 bonus when you make a qualifying purchase.
You can sign up for Rakuten by clicking here and get a $40 sign up bonus when you make a qualifying purchase.
What’s your favorite way to save money during the holiday shopping season?
