3 tricks to save money for the holidays

The year has flown by. Thanksgiving is next week. I know what you’re thinking: “Wait. What?”

Yes. Black Friday is almost here.

If the holidays have crept up on you, then you probably haven’t started your Christmas shopping or bought that Thanksgiving turkey yet. If you’re in need of a few extra bucks for the holidays, here are three easy tricks to cut back for the rest of the year.

Cash only: We’re living in the world of Apple Pay and Venmo, which makes spending money easier than ever. If you’re not the cash type, just remember that it feels a lot more personal (and sad) every time you complete a transaction with paper money. It’s enough to make you second guess handing over that cold hard cash.

Bundle up: If you want to save a few bucks the “very easy” way, turn down that thermostat. I know it’s getting colder, but it’s an easy fix and it will save you a lot of money. Grab a blanket and those wool socks and deal with it. Having a few extra bucks to spend will be satisfying when you get ready to buy your niece that karaoke machine she’s been wanting.

Keep tabs on yourself: Every single time you make a purchase, write it down. By physically jotting down every dollar you spend, you’ll quickly realize just how much money you spend on the “must-haves” in your life. This may be just the wake-up call you need to start cutting back on some of the not-so-necessary things you regularly purchase.