Everyday essentials like groceries and gas can add up.
For Jenni Sisson, a 41-year-old Salt Lake City freelance writer, money will be tight this holiday season.
Sisson isn’t the only one looking for creative ways to stay on budget this holiday season.
Making tradeoffs during the holiday season isn’t always fun, but it can preventcredit card creep.
Here are the three tips Sisson is following to afford Christmas for her five kids, withoutoverspending.
Read more:Don’t Fall Into the Same Debt Trap This Holiday Season.
Instead of going with mugs andgift cardsthat many teachers get, Sisson is baking homemade bread.
This helps her save money while still thanking the educators in her kids' lives.
“Most people love a loaf of fluffy, homemade bread,” Sisson says.
If breadmaking isn’t your thing, you could bake holiday cookies, brownies or other sweet treats.
You also don’t have to spend more than the cost of a card.
Sisson is doing the same.
you could shop at your local thrift stores or try online marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark or Mercari.
Here’s How It Workstoward gifts and other holiday expenses.
Sisson knows she might get less value per point, but it will help her stay on budget.
You may trybudget-friendly gift-givingoptions or check out what one of our go-to experts recommends toavoid gift guiltaltogether.
