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The tradition of holiday shopping and gift giving on a student budget is challenging, and the added financial stress and burden can make the holiday season more stressful and less enjoyable.\u00a0 It is possible to give your friends and family meaningful gifts, even on a student budget.<\/p>\n
Tip #1:\u00a0 Save money in advance.<\/strong>\u00a0 The holiday season should not come as a surprise each year, yet how many times has it ‘snuck up’ on you, and you find yourself wishing for more funds in your bank account.\u00a0 A year-long savings or holiday fund plan is a solution.\u00a0 Determine an estimated total cost and start saving early to achieve your goal.\u00a0 This would make a good New Year’s Resolution for 2019.<\/p>\n Tip #2: Hunt for bargains.<\/strong>\u00a0 Use sites like RetailMeNot and Groupon that offer business discounts.\u00a0 Utilize coupons and sales, which are in abundance around the holidays.\u00a0 When online shopping, watch for and utilize discounts and free shipping.<\/p>\n Tip #3:\u00a0 Budget and monitor expenses.<\/strong>\u00a0 List the people you wish to purchase presents for and set spending limits on each person.\u00a0 Save your receipts and maintain a listing of spending totals, being careful not to overspend.\u00a0 Remember to include greeting cards and holiday gift wrapping supplies within your budget.\u00a0 Consider downloading one of the many money management apps, or keep a notebook log to track expenses.<\/p>\n Tip #4:\u00a0 Utilize thrift stores and DIY projects.<\/strong>\u00a0 Browsing local thrift and consignment stores may yield unique gifts for loved ones at a price cheaper than retail.\u00a0 Handmade gifts are often the most cherished gifts.\u00a0 It can be more cost effective to purchase materials and create gifts rather than to purchase items.\u00a0 Around the holidays, watch craft store sales for percentage off items or entire purchases.<\/p>\n The holiday season can wreak havoc on a student’s budget, but affording the holidays can be done with careful planning.\u00a0 Relieving yourself of financial worry and stress will allow you to enjoy and celebrate this special time of year.\u00a0 Contact the UWW Financial Literacy Center<\/a> for additional personal finance information and resources on a wide array of topics.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The tradition of holiday shopping and gift giving on a student budget is challenging, and the added financial stress and burden can make the holiday season more stressful and less enjoyable.\u00a0 It is possible to give your friends and family meaningful gifts, even on a student budget. Tip #1:\u00a0 Save money in advance.\u00a0 The holiday … <\/p>\n