Pay Day Hawaii

Before you head out the door to holiday shopping, read our list of ways to make your hard-earned holiday dollars go further:

1. You have a plan. Now, wait and watch prices rather than try to power through your shopping in one day.

2. Check sales flyers, sign up for store emails, and check online comparison shopping websites for the best pricing (PriceGrabber.com is one).

3. Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale—buy it because it is planned and fits in your budget.

4. Check out discount stores when shopping for holiday meals, and gifts: dollar stores, closeout stores, warehouse clubs, craft shows, and swap meets.

5. Use store coupons and promo codes. Frequently these are offered when you sign up for emails, or agree to do a survey. Search online for “coupon” or “promo code” and the name of the store you want. Try a coupon exchange with your family and friends.

6. Use your discounts. Are you a senior or a student, military, or member of an insurance group like AAA? Ask what discounts you qualify for.

7. Use your points. Do you have airline, hotel, or points credit cards? Now is the time to use those accumulated points! Check online and see what you can redeem them for: gifts, gift cards, even gift vacations.

8. Save time and money by buying ingredients in bulk for holiday cooking, and think about food as a gift idea—cake or cookies in a decorative box, jam or spiced nuts in a decorated jar are all welcome gifts.

9. Don’t wait till the last minute to ship your gifts. Expedited shipping will add a lot to your holiday expenses. Be sure to add enough time to allow for shipping and mailing outside of Hawaii.

10. Try to make some purchases after Christmas. Won’t see your best friend till after the holidays? Buy their present afterward and on sale! Use after-Christmas sales to stock up for next year: wrapping paper, ribbon, cards, decorations, and gifts will all be marked down.

11. Pass up extended warranty plans. They aren’t worth the money, and the repair you might (or might not) need is likely to be cheaper than the warranty.

12. Keep your receipts. If you have to return, exchange or contest the price of a gift, you WILL need these.

Have a wonderful Hawaiian holiday season!