Ways to Save on Holiday Shopping

According to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse Holiday Shopping survey, the majority of consumers, 62 percent, plan to spend the same amount of money on presents as last year, while 14 percent plan to spend more money, a 40 percent increase from 2011.

More than half of holiday shoppers, 57 percent, plan to spend between $251 and $1,000 on gifts, while one in four, 23 percent, plan to spend up to $250, according to the survey. But no matter what you plan to spend, saving money is always a plus. 

AAA shares the following tips on saving more this holiday season: 

• When shopping online, look for special offers or dates from retailers when free shipping may be available. 
• Check store circulars for in-store sales or coupons. Note that many retailers will honor sale prices if items were purchased the week before they went on sale.
• Sort through junk mail since many retailers send bonus coupons and gift cards in the mail during the holidays.
• Consider taking one retailer’s circular to another retailer and ask for competitive pricing.
• If you want to purchase an item in a store, but forgot the coupon, ask if you can bring the coupon back for the adjusted price.
• Take advantage of retail or online discounts and check with any clubs or associations, such as AAA, to see if discounts and rewards are available.

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