Gifts, Parties, celebrations, more gifts… festivals are surely fun but the cost can add up as you tend to overspend on sales, promotions, offers, and seasonal deals. As we all know, the Sinhala & Tamil New Year is around the corner, so let’s take a step back and figure out some of the best ways to shop smart while keeping the magic of the season intact.
01. Have a gift budget
Planning is key for money management. That’s why making a list of gifts well in advance is helpful to figure out the budget you need to reserve. This not only prevents spontaneous purchases, but it also prevents overspending due to last moment panic. You can plan one gift per person which will help you to save more through bulk purchases in certain items.
02. Save gradually
We all know April is a month in which the expenses are high. A smart way to handle this crisis is to start saving from an early stage. If your planned gift budget is Rs. 15,000.00, it is easier to save Rs. 5,000.00 each for three months than making a dent in your pocket only in April.
03. Shop Online
For those who shop smart, online platforms can be a lifesaver. The downside of e-commerce is impulsive buying; therefore stick only with your gift list, while being mindful about data security, payment methods, reviews, and the quality of items. It’s always a good idea to select cash on delivery and redeem loyalty points whenever possible. Many sites offer free delivery after a target amount, you can even opt for a group order with your friends to enjoy these types of benefits.
04. Be collective
Festivals have a deeper meaning than gifts; it’s about making memorable moments to last a lifetime. If your whole family meets as a tradition for New Year’s lunch, each sibling can contribute by bringing in a tasty dish or a drink, rather than spending on expensive gifts. Be creative with paper craft decorations and hand-made ornaments; enjoy family time with sing-alongs and fun games while someone with a good eye takes tons of photographs to remember these great times!
05. Use technology to connect
Most of the Sri Lankan households are equipped with a smartphone, now more than ever. Why not make the right use of it by taking the tradition of visiting relatives a step further? Of course, it cannot be compared with physically seeing your loved ones, but a WhatsApp video call will at least ensure their health and safety during this challenging time. Add more love by sending a New Year card with a heartfelt note; which they will cherish immensely.
Summary
With all that said, do not mistake frugality for miserliness; you should not hesitate to spend where your priorities are concerned. This effort is to help cut down any unnecessary expenses with these useful saving tips during this Sinhala & Tamil New Year!
