7 ways to save money for the New Year holidays

1. Plan what you will cook

For many, products are one of the most serious cost categories. And the best way to save money on them is to make a meal plan. Stop buying food haphazardly, choosing what comes to mind. With this approach, a lot then costs without use and deteriorates.

Instead, plan 5-10 meals in advance and buy what is needed for them. They can be arranged so that you can use the same products in different combinations without throwing anything away. Make sure to include snacks in your plan so you don't have to buy them on the run later. It will come out much more expensive.

Be sure to check your inventory before making a plan.

It is quite possible that you have accumulated cereals and pasta in your cabinets, and vegetables and semi-finished products in the freezer. Include them in the plan for the coming days and buy new equivalents only when you use the old ones. Another way to save on groceries is to skip meat before the holidays and try vegetarian options.

2. Compare product prices and look for benefits

Use apps that show discounts at nearby grocery stores. For example, Edadil, SkidkaOnline, Tiendeo. In them, you can drive a product into the search and check how much it costs in different retail chains, as well as make a shopping list.

If there is no discount for the product you want, try buying a similar one, but at a slightly lower price. Chances are you won't notice the difference. And if you want to save as much as possible, choose the store's own brand products, usually the cheapest option.

And do not get fooled by discounts: even if an item is sold at a really good price, but you do not need it, you will lose, not save.

3. Spend the accumulated points and certificates

Most shops and entertainment venues offer bonus programs. You probably have accumulated points from past purchases. Use them to pay for groceries or gifts for loved ones. Also check if you have any gift certificates left - now is the time to spend them.

4. Share expenses with friends and rent things

Chances are, your friends will also be preparing holiday meals, so it makes sense to buy large packages of some products and split the costs equally. If you do this during discounts, you can save a lot.

If you plan to travel by car during the holidays, look for passengers to share your gas costs. Perhaps someone you know wants to keep you company. Or look for those who wish on the travel companion search site.

If you only need a thing for one time, rent it.

It will be more profitable than buying and then storing it in the far corner of the closet or throwing it away. There are many offers on the Internet for every taste, and you can easily find something for yourself.

5. Organize the exchange of things

For example, with friends, neighbors or colleagues. This way you can save on purchases of costumes, dishes, New Year's decorations and gifts. Agree on the rules in advance. Decide if the items will be exchanged permanently or only temporarily. Should the owner take it back if nobody liked it, or someone will collect everything and take it to a charitable organization. Will the person who first saw it receive the thing, or will several people throw lots.

You can also add an exchange of services. For example, a person bakes well. Offer to make a cake for you, and in exchange you sit with his children or help with something else.

6. Get rid of unnecessary automatic spending

Perhaps at some point you subscribed to a streaming service and then stopped using it. Or went to the gym, but then abandoned, and the membership remained. Or you have opened a premium bank account, which is no longer profitable for you, but you pay a monthly service fee.

Separately, these costs seem small, but together add up to a decent amount.

Look at card statements and discard them. This money can be spent on holiday expenses next month.

7. Don't buy everything in advance

Pass by sweets and traditional New Year's products already lined with store shelves. Many people think that by starting to buy in advance, they will save money. But more often than not, food purchased for the holidays is eaten earlier or is simply spoiled. It is better to buy everything you need for 1-2 large hikes just before the New Year: this reduces the likelihood of buying unnecessary things simply because they may be useful.

This rule also applies to gifts. There are usually big discounts before the holidays, so finding a great deal will be easier.