THE Christmas is just around the corner, and with it comes gift lists, family dinners and skyrocketing expenses. Although the decorations and lights envelop us in festive spirit, our pockets are feeling the pressure and many are wondering How to prevent the budget from becoming a steep slope in January.
The organization of consumers and users (OCU) revealed a set of Key tips to help households spend less without giving up the magic of Christmas. These 9 recommendations are essential for those looking to party without compromising their savings. Do you want to know what they are?
1. Plan your Christmas shopping
It is advisable to know in advance how much and where you are going to buy. have a budget This is the best way to avoid impulse purchases. You must adapt your needs to the amount you wish to spend and not go outside this range as much as possible.
2. Stagger products
There is many gifts that can be purchased in advance at a better price. Others, on the other hand, tend to benefit from Christmas offers. It is important to purchase each item at the right time. Typical foods such as seafood, meat and fish experience price increases in the days leading up to these celebrations.
3. Compare prices
The price differences between establishments are considerable. Studies carried out by OCU throughout the year highlight this assertion. It is recommended buy in stores where the quality-price ratio is more favorable.
4. Practice responsible consumption
The OCU emphasizes that it is possible that a responsible consumptionadapted “to the needs of consumers and respectful of the environment and the environment”. All times of the year are optimal for practicing this type of consumption.
5. Be careful with cards and credits
This organization warns of the high costs of financing purchases when made by card or fast credit. “In case of need you have to compare the APRin order not to make Christmas shopping too expensive due to financing and to avoid over-indebtedness,” they add.
6. Ask for the purchase receipt or invoice
At Christmas, consumer rights still apply. The OCU advises request the purchase receipt or invoice for possible complaints.
On the other hand, remember that the product warranty consumption is two years. However, the return and exchange regime for products is set by each merchant who must inform the consumer before purchasing. This organization recommends “checking the establishment’s return policy before purchasing from them”.
7. Be careful with online shopping
A large part of the population makes purchases online. The OCU informs that the consumer has the right to return the product within the days indicated by each establishment and that You will only have to bear the shipping costs that you must be known in advance as well as those of the delivery.
8. Buy safe toys
The OCU recommends “acquire safe toys that are appropriate for the child’s age“. This organization emphasizes that those who do not have labels in at least the official language of the state or who do not have instructions should be rejected. In toys intended for young children, you should pay attention to the absence of small parts, excessive hardness, sharp edges or edges or excessive fragility.
9. Manage the budget correctly
A good management of the family budget facilitates purchases and represents considerable savings. One option is to do this via Mooverangan application that helps manage consumers’ personal finances.
“They will be able to benefit from the automatic categorization of transactions and the ability to set goals for better control of spending. Likewise, the consumer will have the possibility of obtaining reimbursement for purchases made in more than 200 online stores thanks to the ‘Offers’ service”, they emphasize.
