Wow! 2024 is drawing to it’s end. It’s not over, but we are upon the busiest time of the year, especially for shopping! Before we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, let’s take a breath and hope 2025 starts fresh, healthy, safe, and with MUCH better coupons than we have been getting!(Coupon gods are you listening??).

Plan some shopping strategies before life gets too hectic. Green Monday is a huge day for online sales that falls on the second Monday of December. If you aren’t burned out after all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday events, you can take advantage of this big shopping occasion. For 2024, December 09, is the day. You should find discounts ranging from 20% to 60% off or even more. Expect categories on sale to include Electronics, Home Improvement, and Clothing, among others. While shopping online remember FREE Shipping Day is Saturday, December 14.

Busy cooks as well as new cooks need good pots and pans and other good cookware. Check online sites for sales on these essentials! The baking selection is better than it is all year long. You’ll save on Coffeemakers too. You may get those electrical appliances for less money as well as those hard-to-find utensils!

For electronics such as TV’s and Headphones December is a good month to shop. As well as Smartwatches, Smart Speakers, Tablets, and Computers, and Laptops.

Skip Gym memberships this month. January is the best time for that as well as Workout Equipment, Bedding, TVs, and Winter Clothing.

Those unusual small tools that make great stocking-stuffers you can find an abundance at Home Centers. Many of these are one of kind varieties only available at this time of the year. Also, look for savings on traditional tool kits.

December is typically slow for car dealers so buying a new or used car can be a wonderful gift for yourself or another! You may get a bargain because dealers are inclined to give you a deal so they can make their end-of-year quota.

If gift cards are on your list, check store sales circulars for any deals such as money off a next shopping trip, a discount on your card purchase, or for bank cards that have waived the handling fee. These add up to savings you can use on other gifts. Plus e-gift cards have deals at certain stores so don’t forget to look for some. Don’t forget supermarkets are a source for gift card savings.

Keep all your receipts because if your purchase gets reduced or another store has it cheaper you can return for a price adjustment. You must follow the store’s rules as far as time element and proof of lower price

December is typically a slow month in real estate. Everyone has too much else on their minds. Sellers get anxious to move so you may get a great deal.

Help your favorite local restaurants! Many are struggling with price increases and less help. Check your  favorite to see if they offer incentives if you buy gift certificates. Or else, give a gift from them that will help them end the year in the black so they will still be in business next year! Please help small businesses.

In the supermarket, in addition to egg nog, try to find coupons that you can combine with sales on butter, cheese, ham, baking supplies, pie crusts, instant mashed potatoes, canned foods, gravy mixes, Jell-O, marshmallows, frozen pies, dairy dinner rolls, cake mixes and frostings, brownie mixes, whipping cream, spices, nuts, dried fruit, soup, and oatmeal. In the produce aisle save on pears, bok choy, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, celery, grapefruit, avocados, kale, kiwi, lemons, oranges, sweet potatoes, cabbage, squash, spinach, rutabaga, and turnips. Don’t forget to look for digital coupon from specific product sites, supermarket websites, and Coupons.com. This is the time of the year every savings counts!

Lastly, after Christmas, shop the after holiday sales! You’ll find bargain prices on décor, party goods, lights, greeting cards, wrapping paper and tags, tree trimmings, and MORE! You’ll be ready for next year!! Remember solid color paper goods can be used all year long!

Merry Christmas to ALL!!