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 signup bonus when you make a qualifying purchase. The holiday season is one of the most exciting 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 signup bonus when you make a qualifying purchase.
The holiday season is one of the most exciting 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 have fun.
With the right strategies, you can save money while making this holiday season magical. Let’s get into my top tips, starting with my favorite way to save—Rakuten.
How to Save Money This Holiday Shopping Season
Below are my favorite ways to save money during holiday shopping.
1. Get cash back for holiday shopping with Rakuten
I have been using Rakuten years, and it’s my go-to money-saving tool. Last holiday season, I made over $200 in gift shopping for my family. I especially love it for big purchases—like when I got my husband a $90 kayak.
Rakuten is a must-have 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’s partnered 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 listed.
Here’s how it works: when you shop at Rakuten, stores pay Rakuten a commission, and Rakuten shares a portion of that with you in return. Depending on the store, you can earn anywhere from 1% to over 15%. For example, I recently earned $90 in cash back when I bought a kayak online through Rakuten. Those savings add up quickly, especially during the holiday season when spending tends to spike.
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, which automatically finds and applies the best cashback deals and coupon codes for you. Pro tip: use a browser extension whenever you shop online to make sure you don’t miss out on savings.
Another reason I like Rakuten is how easy it is to get paid. You can choose to get your refund via PayPal or check. Also, Rakuten is currently offering a $40 sign-up bonus (this is a limited-time holiday offer) to new members who make qualifying purchases, so now is the perfect time to join.
You can sign up for Rakuten by clicking here and you’ll get a $40 signup bonus when you make a qualifying purchase.
Helpful tip: Start your holiday shopping list and research which of your favorite stores offers cash back with Rakuten. Then, make it a habit to shop at Rakuten on all your purchases to maximize your savings.
2. Create a holiday 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 things like stocking stuffers or wrapping paper – you can do this on paper or on your phone/laptop. Once you have the total amount, divide your budget into categories and set spending limits for each.
For example, if you plan to spend $500 on gifts, break that down further by deciding how much you will spend on each person. Having these restrictions in place will keep you from going overboard if you’re tempted to splurge on last-minute items.
Helpful tip: Before shopping, write down your budget and go with it. 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 popular for deals, but many stores offer discounts throughout the season. Start looking for sales early so you can take advantage of the low prices before items sell out.
Another way to save is to compare prices. Most stores will honor a competitor’s lower price if you show them proof, so it’s worth checking prices at multiple retailers.
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.
Helpful tip: Create a shopping schedule with key sales days, such as Black Friday or pre-holiday sales, and plan to shop for certain 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 look for promo codes before buying anything, and the Rakuten browser extension makes it very easy to find them.
One of the smartest ways to save money is to combine coupons and cash back offers. Many stores allow you to use coupons on top of discounts and cash backs, which means even bigger savings.
If you shop at the store, take a few minutes to search for coupons online before you check out. Most stores will scan a digital coupon from your phone, so you don’t need to print anything.
Helpful tip: Combine Rakuten cashback with store-specific coupons or promo codes to save even more.
5. Give thoughtful or DIY gifts
A few years ago, I made photo books for my family members filled with memories of family vacations. It cost me about $20 to make each photo book, 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 scrapbook, or tie a scarf. If you’re crafty, handmade gifts are a great way to show your love without spending a lot of money.
Gift-based gifts are another budget-friendly option. You might offer to babysit a friend, cook your parents a nice dinner, or plan a family game night.
Helpful tip: Make a list of DIY gift ideas that fit your skill set and start gathering materials now. This will save you time and stress as the holidays approach.
6. Avoid buying now, pay for later services
“Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services have become popular, especially during the holidays. These services allow you to break up your purchases into smaller payments over several weeks or months. While this may seem like a great way to buy gifts, it can lead to trouble if you’re not careful. BNPL makes a lot of people spend a lot of money, unfortunately,
The biggest risk with BNPL is that it doesn’t feel like you’re spending real money. Since you don’t pay the full amount up front, it’s easy to lose track of how much you owe. Many people use these services in many shops, which can lead to solving several payments at the same time. If you miss a payment, you may face late fees, and your credit score may take a hit.
Instead of relying on BNPL, focus on sticking to your holiday budget. Ask yourself if you can afford something in full right now. If the answer is no, it’s a good sign to rethink the purchase. Another trick is to save for big ticket items in advance so that you are not tempted to use BNPL services.
Helpful tip: The next time you are tempted by the BNPL option, stop and calculate the total cost of your remaining 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 to buy. Focus on buying only what fits your budget to avoid financial stress after the holidays.
Enjoy the Holidays Without Spending Too Much – Summary
With these tips, you can celebrate the holidays without worrying about your finances. By using Rakuten, budgeting, shopping ahead, and getting creative with gifts, you’ll be able to stretch every dollar while still enjoying the season.
The holidays are a special time, and I’ve learned that they don’t have to be expensive to remember. By focusing on what’s important—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 on qualifying purchases.
You can sign up for Rakuten by clicking here and you’ll get a $40 signup bonus when you make a qualifying purchase.
What’s your favorite way to save money during holiday shopping?
