Want to give that perfect gift this year without remorse? The Better Business Bureau is offering valuable advice to consumers looking to fill their shopping lists without breaking the bank.
The BBB is working with Clearpoint Credit Counseling and says that with planning, research, and budgeting, it can be a great Christmas for everyone.
Sandra Crozier-McKee, president and CEO of the BBB serving southern Alberta and East Kootenay, says the first thing to do is lots of research on products and companies to make sure you’re saving as much money as possible.
Planning a budget is also a hugely important thing to keep in mind. “Know your spending limits before heading out to the malls. The earlier you plan, research, and clearly outline your budget, the less stressful your holidays will be,” Crozier-McKee said in a release.
The BBB is also offering the following tips to give the best gifts:
- Become an expert on big-ticket items – this will allow you to make the best decision regarding cost and quality of the product. It’s also important to check with the BBB to find businesses you can trust.
- Find gifts that provide a return – make sure that your gift choices provide some sort of return for the recipient. This can merely be the enjoyment of the recipient or something that provides them with a way to make money through a side job or hobby.
- Use reward points and online shopping – take advantage of the mass of reward points you’ve gathered during the year by using those to find gifts. Online can also be a great place to look to find deals.
- Start early – make sure you start your shopping early, so you have the flexibility to shop around for the best deals. Don’t be afraid to buy gifts far in advance if you know you are getting the best deal possible on them.
- Create a budget – make sure your spending doesn’t get away from you. It’s important to have a firm idea on how much you should spend.
For more information on how to be a calculated shopper and other holiday shopping tips, you can go to the BBB’s website.
