Holiday expenses can shoot up higher than the New Year fireworks — and unfortunately, the results are anything but pretty. However, with a little planning and creative use of your budget, you can still enjoy the season without ruining your finances.

If you don’t have a lot of money to spare for holiday shopping, here are some great tips on how to stretch your budget, and some ideas on how to earn extra income or get emergency money.

Rethink Your Gift List

Write down all the people you’re giving gifts to. Now ask, “Why do I feel I need to give a gift to this person?” Is it out of tradition or habit, a sense of guilt, a desire to show off, or peer pressure?

For example, you may have relatives that you’re not that close to, but you feel you can’t show up at the reunion empty-handed. Or you “have” to give a gift to your child’s teachers, because all your other co-parents do it.

Be honest and practical. Narrow down your list to the people you really care about. In these tough economic times, there’s no shame or blame in cutting down your gift list—everybody else is doing it, too.

Give Experiences Instead Of Things

Ask friends and family if they’d like to do something together, instead of exchanging presents. For example, you can host a potluck at your home, watch a movie together, or all chip in for a short road trip to a nearby budget destination.

This can be cheaper than buying gifts for everyone, and will often be more meaningful and enjoyable than buying something they’ll never use.

Make Homemade Gifts

Bake a big batch of cookies, or whatever dishes that you’re known for. You can also make aromatherapy oils, DIY body scrubs, or foot scrubs. If you’re good with crafts, you can decoupage a personalized box, make a scrapbook, knit a scarf, or crochet a plushie, or sew a simple pouch.

You can even sell some of the things you make! Once you’ve perfected the recipe or the packaging, take a few pictures and post them on your social media.

Announce that you’re accepting orders for homemade holiday gifts. It’s a great holiday business, and it’s no risk because you’re already buying the materials or ingredients to make your own gifts.

Give A Potted Plant

Plants are affordable gifts, and are always welcome! You can get small succulents that they can put on their work table, or give basil or rosemary to someone who likes to cook.

Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Many sites sell gift cards at a much lower price. You can use them for holiday shopping, or give them as gifts. Most people find gift cards more practical because they can choose what they like, and you don’t have to worry about shipping the item to them or getting the wrong size.

Compare Sites And The Sale Prices

Check the prices at different stores (both brick and mortar stores, and online) to find out who has the best price. Take screenshots, too! Some websites will match the lowest price, and you will need the photos to ask for a price adjustment.

Also, don’t be scammed by false sale prices! Some websites will temporarily increase their prices before the holidays, just so they can claim to give a bigger discount when they go on sale. So instead of looking at the percentage, like 40% off, look at the actual price.

Also, look at the total value you’re getting. A website may have a slightly higher price but will have free shipping or a longer warranty.

Get Emergency Money With Title Loans

Holiday shopping can already put a strain on your regular budget. But unfortunately, you may meet an even bigger and more serious financial crisis. Things like unexpected car or house repairs, medical bills, or any other emergency that require you to raise a lot of cash in a short period of time.

 

 

What Is A Title Loan?

In these financial emergencies, one option you have available is to take out car title loans in Delaware. A title loan is a short-term loan where you borrow money using your vehicle title as collateral.

All vehicles – as long as you are the sole owner – are accepted. So whether you have a car, truck, motorcycle, SUV, RV, or some other vehicle, you can use its title as collateral. You just need to show your driver’s license or state-issued ID, and a lien-free title of the vehicle you are using.

A great thing about title loans is you can still be eligible even if you don’t have a high credit score. You can even continue to use your car while paying it off — you just need to make sure you are sticking to the repayment schedule you and your loan representative will come up with.

Processing is very simple and convenient because you don’t need to show a lot of documents or go through frustrating red tape. If your loan representative can approve you, you’ll get your cash the very same day you apply – approximately 30 minutes after you arrive at the store.

Find Delaware Title Loans Near Me

When it comes to applying for title loans in Delaware, it is simple! Just follow these steps:

1. Fill out our online application found right on our website.
2. Wait for one of our loan representatives at the nearest Delaware Title Loans to give you a call.
3. Drive to that location and sit down with a loan representative to go over the loan application.
4. Let the representative look over your ID and title and quickly inspect your vehicle.
5. If you are approved, you will receive the amount you qualify for in 30 minutes.

See, it’s that easy! Find out more about online title loans at any of our title loan locations in Delaware.

Holiday gift shopping doesn’t have to burn a hole through your wallet. Any one of these money-saving options could work to make your holiday season more enjoyable for you and your finances.

Enjoyed this article? We have plenty more tips on how to handle your money wisely during the holidays!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.