Making it through the holidays with little-to-no money
I get it – you’re broke. You’ve probably taken being poor to the next level. Welcome to the end of the semester. In addition to the stress of exams and the excitement of the holiday season, you have your finances to think about. Do you have any idea how you’re going to be able to afford presents? It’s going to be tricky, and you’re going to have to get creative – but I believe in you.
Since it’s exam time, your eating habits have probably taken a turn. This means one of two things, either you’ve stopped eating almost completely, or you absolutely cannot stop eating. For the sake of your wallet, I hope it’s the first: but realistically, you need to maintain healthy (read: any) eating habits over the exam period – it’s vital to your success. If you’re cutting back financially, remember that the school has a food bank available for students. You have a number of items at your disposal to get you through the month of December, so if you need to use it, do so.
As for gift giving on a budget, you need to get creative. Hit up the Internet for some ideas that speak to you, things like: cookies in a jar, a painting, a coupon booklet, a photo album, a mixed CD, or a poem – these are all things you can give that cost minimal dollars. Do remember though, that spending less money on presents usually requires you to spend a little more time on them. Truthfully, creative gifts are often better received than store bought gifts; so make it work in your favour.
The holiday season (and returning home to your friends and family) sometimes requires you to spend even more money on hangouts. So, whether that be Sunday brunches, movies, or bar nights, try to opt in to cost effective options. Does your hometown have a community ice rink? Do you have cross-country skis at home? Attempt to find free or low budget activities in your area. Often these low budget activities also double as an excuse to get outside and enjoy the snowy weather. Don’t think that just because you’re a twenty-something, you’re no longer able to go outside and make a snowman, or a snow fort, or a snow castle. The options are endless. Call up your friends; invite them over for some tea and board games.
If you’re looking for some extra income, why not look through Kijiji ads. Around this time of the year, people are often looking for some extra hands to help around the house. You may need to help install decorative lights, or babysit for a few hours while parents go out to do their holiday shopping – there are so many opportunities to make some cash before Christmas. If there’s a big snowstorm between now and then, why not become an entrepreneur? Go door-to-door and ask people if they need their driveways shoveled for some cash.
Finally, if you weren’t able to take advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales this past weekend, wait to do your holiday shopping. Buy your gifts just before you see the people to whom you are giving the gift. Prolong gift exchanges with your friends until just after the holidays so you’ll be able to take advantage of Boxing Week sales. For your family (or those who you’ll spend Christmas day with), attempt the Christmas Eve shopping experience. The stores sometimes put the sales on early so you can take advantage.
I mean, if you’re one of those people who start their holiday shopping in July, good for you. If you’re not, I have faith that you can make it through this holiday season being broke.