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Budgeting tips for the 2017 holiday season

It's the social media generation, so, take advantage of those apps!

It's here again.

That time of the year when you're frantically shopping for gifts upon gifts for your family, friends, maybe even your coworkers?

There's no escaping it, unless you actually escape to some deserted island in the middle of nowhere.

We had a financial expert give us tips that can help you budget during the 2017 holiday season.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), about 164 million Americans plan to shop during this Thanksgiving weekend and they will spend an average of $967.13 this holiday season.

That's a lot of money.

Here are some tips that won't blow the bank:

Create a budget

  • NO shopping until you write you budget and your lists
  • Include everything in your budget (big or small) and even include your own purchases
  • Make a comprehensive list (put thought into it, budgeting is not for the careless)
  • Don't get distracted when you go in the store or shop online - STICK TO THE LIST

Study the ads. The commercials and ads you see on social media may be annoying, but they could really help during the holidays.

Compare prices

  • Charge your phone so you can use it to compare prices while shopping
  • Apps you can use: Flipp, RetailMeNot, Shopkick
  • The Amazon app has a handy price checker tool
    • You can scan a product's barcode and immediately compare it's in-store price to what Amazon charges for it

Download apps from stores

  • Download apps for the stores you plan to shop at before you head out
  • Check out apps like SnipSnap - they have the biggest collection of in-store coupons of any app

Check store policies in advance. This may be a tedious task, but it could save you a lot of hassle.

Plan your shopping days.

  • Know exactly which stores you plan to visit and what items you want to buy there

Online shopping

  • While most retailers will have better deals in-store, you can always enjoy convenience and shop from the comforts of your own home

Be safe and happy shopping!

Before You Leave, Check This Out