Be it a special occasion, a family function or the festive season, every celebration is incomplete without shopping! The festive season has arrived with Diwali, Christmas the New Year coming one after the other and everybody is excited to revel their gorgeous clothes, delicious sweets and spend some fun-filled family time. All this comes with a hidden companion called ‘Expenses’. Diwali is typically one of the most stressful events of the year. The expense of buying gifts, the pressure of last minute shopping can strain your monthly budget. Some practical suggestions can help you reduce your ‘Festive Shopping Stress’. Planning a festive budget can help you enjoy the festivities while staying within your means.
1. Decide your budget: Set a limit to the money you want to spend on buying gifts, clothes and other home décor. Planning on the allocation of your budget will give you a clear picture about how much and where exactly you need to spend on shopping for the festival.
2. Make a list of the things you need to buy:
Making a list of all the things to buy will help you plan your shopping effectively. Do not fall for the urge to keep on spending and lose track of your money, especially if you are using debit/credit cards.
3. Avoid last minute rush:
Shopping stress can easily be doubled if you keep thinking and act only at the last minute. The last minute rush will not only drain you physically but also keep you away from enjoying happy moments with your friends and family.
4. Have a back-up plan:
Have a back-up plan so that if a particular gift idea isn’t available, you’ve got another option in mind within your budget.
5. Avail shopping offers:
Great offers from banks will also be available. Use your debit/credit cards wisely this festive season &gain a lot of reward points while you shop! Banks like ICICI Bank reward you at every step for various online transactions you do. Check them out online before to plan to shop.
6. Consider shopping online:
It is a relaxing alternative as you can shop from the comfort of your own home. You can get your favorite goods without rushing around. Online shopping is now considered favorable by most customers due to the convenience it offers along with great discounts that one can avail of, during the festive seasons! target=”_blank”
It also provides you with benefits like gaining reward points for shopping online. MySavings Rewards Program by ICICI bank is one such program where you can gain 1 point on every Rs. 100 spent online using Internet Banking.
7. Redeem points from your debit/credit card:
If you’re using any debit/credit card, it’s time you redeem your points. The points you had accumulated over a span of 6-12 months will definitely reduce your shopping stress.
8. Wear comfortable clothing:
Shopping involves a lot of physically activity like traveling, walking, trying out different outfits etc. Try wearing clothes which are comfortable and pair of footwear that are soft and relaxing. Choosing the right clothes and footwear will take away your stress and keep you more active and enthusiastic while shopping
9. Carry less baggage:
Since shopping adds to your baggage, it is always advisable to carry only the most required things especially if you are not going by car.
10. Expand your shopping universe:
If you normally head straight to your favorite store or the mall when you need to buy something, consider other shopping options as well this time. Exploring other options might give you better hand in terms of saving you a great deal of money and getting a different variety of clothing. Have a stress-free shopping experience. Wish you all a very Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year!
Note: This article is contributed by ICICI Bank