Deepavali, the joyous festival that symbolises the victory of good over evil, is just around the corner. It is a time filled with joy, but it can also become an expensive occasion as it usually involves buying items aplenty: new clothes, flowers, dried fruit, gold, jewellery, mithai (sweets), fireworks, decorations, candles, homeware, and more!
While we all want to embrace and celebrate Deepavali, we can do so while being mindful of our spending. Here are some handy tips on how to save on your festive shopping.
1. Budget and track your spending
Budgeting is a crucial step that helps you spend responsibly year-round, and it’s especially crucial during the festive season when you will be buying and spending more.
With a budget, you can determine the total amount that you want to spend and save, while avoiding impulsive purchases or overspending.
To ensure you stick to your budget, you must also track your spending, which can be done on a spreadsheet or via applications on your phone. Creating a separate festival budget will help you distinguish Deepavali purchases from your regular daily expenses.
2. Be mindful of what you are buying
Think twice about your purchases and how much you need them. For instance, when buying new clothes, consider how often you can re-wear them.
Be creative with your outfits; for example, you could wear a saree from a previous year but get a new blouse, or pair an existing lehenga with a new top and dupatta for a fresh look without spending much.
You could also save on buying snacks and sweets by making your own. While this takes time and effort, you could turn it into a fun family activity where everyone comes together and helps, thereby creating a new tradition.
3. Look for sales and in-app deals
There’s no reason to pay full price! Many stores have Deepavali sales on various festive items, including clothes, shoes, jewellery, electronics, food, or gifts for others. So make sure you look into the discounts and offers available from your favourite sellers.
You could also consider buying items in bulk and stocking up to save money in the long run. However, do make sure you have your budget in place before walking into a sale to avoid impulse buying.
Finally, make use of the various cashbacks, points, and promotions that e-wallet and online-shopping platforms provide during the festive season. By applying vouchers and taking advantage of such promotions, you will be surprised by how much you can save.
Happy shopping and have a wonderful Festival of Lights!