The holidays are just around the corner. It’s almost time to start purchasing presents, hosting family dinners, and adorning your home with holiday décor, which we all know can add up quickly. We want the holidays to be fun and festive—not stressful—so here are 10 quick tips to help you save some money this holiday season: 

  1. Undertake an audit of your subscription services. Do you really need every streaming platform? Do you actually use every monthly membership you pay for? Can you save money by paring down your cable, internet, or cell phone bill? Cutting unnecessary costs can save you money for the holiday season and beyond.
  2. Give the gift of labor. Consider creating “coupons” that list tasks or chores you will perform for your relatives. These coupons could include cleaning out your significant other’s car, offering to babysit your family members’ children so they can enjoy a night out, or shoveling someone’s driveway on a cold winter morning. Gifting your time can mean so much more than a purchased item.
  3. Spend more quality time at home instead of going out. Have a game or movie night, cook a meal as a family activity, or bake festive cookies, allowing you to spend time with one another without breaking the bank.
  4. Plan your meals around a grocery store’s sales or coupons, or use an app where buying certain items earns you money back. Small savings can really add up, especially when planning large family feasts. And remember to purchase groceries using your Camden National Bank debit card for cash-back rewards on every purchase. Don’t have one? Find out how you can get rewarded.
  5. Make a list before you go grocery shopping, and stick to it. If you walk down every aisle of the supermarket, you are more likely to purchase items you don’t need.
  6. Avoid fast food. These meals can be unhealthy for both your body and your wallet. Bringing snacks and water while on the go can prevent you from these tempting, quick fixes.
  7. Prep meals in advance to avoid going out to eat (and to save time later in the week). As a bonus: When you eventually serve your holiday meal, be sure to find a way to use the leftovers—whether it’s just packing them away for later or repurposing them in sandwiches or soups.
  8. Make your own gifts this year. Pinterest is an excellent source of creative gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list!
  9. Opt for free events happening in your town. Check out community calendars to see what events your family would enjoy!
  10. Seeing some family or friends after the actual holidays? Hold off on your shopping and take advantage of the huge sales immediately after the holidays—or stock up on gifts or holiday décor for next year. It may cost you a little upfront, but you will save a lot of money in the long run!