Financial expert gives advice to Russians on buying New Year gifts

If you buy gifts for your loved ones before the last dates of December, you can save both time and money. Svetlana Balakhtina, head of the department for the development of loyalty service "Apelsin", told "Izvestia" on December 21 how to avoid unnecessary spending during the holiday period.

"In December, it is important not to go over the budget limit: take into account the costs of the holiday table, decorations, gifts and New Year's outfits. It's better to determine acceptable spending by category in advance and make a list of stores with affordable prices and quality goods. This will help not to go to zero and leave money for the January holidays", - said Balakhtina.

She advised before the sales to check the bonus programs of stores and loyalty services in which a person participates. Many of them combine several partners at once. Therefore, the buyer will be able not only to get a cacheback, but also to write it off at once in different categories: on food and ordering prepared food, insurance, cell phone payments, jewelry. This is a great way to optimize expenses, the expert stressed.

"Many online stores launch New Year's Eve promotions. Take advantage of special promo codes or offers on the brand's website to save . This will help to avoid stress and long queues. If you want to get an additional benefit, pay attention to the recycling programs of old things: for surrendering unwanted clothes or appliances you can get a discount or bonuses to buy new goods, "- she added.

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In her opinion, another way to avoid unnecessary spending is to ask friends, colleagues and relatives what gifts they would like to receive, as well as what budget is optimal. When a clear list of desired items and stores is obtained, it will greatly speed up their ordering and buying.

"For theme parties or photo shoots, instead of buying expensive items that you'll only wear once, it's better to use second hand items. This will allow you to save money and find unique outfits. In addition, such stores often offer New Year's Eve discounts, which makes shopping even more profitable. You can also save money on gift wrapping - use paper and kraft packaging instead of holiday packages," Balakhtina said.

Speaking about handmade products, she emphasized that this is not only an economical but also a heartfelt gift. You can knit a scarf, make a card or wrap gifts yourself. Such surprises loved ones will appreciate for the individual approach.

"During the discount period, stores actively encourage customers to spend more. To avoid impulse purchases, strictly adhere to the list of necessary things and regularly check prices. Try to choose only those offers that are really useful for you. Staying within a budget that is convenient for you and changing the approach to your purchases, you can enjoy the holidays without unnecessary costs and stress, "- concluded the financial expert.

Earlier, on December 12, it was reported that Russians began to actively buy up New Year's sweets. This follows from the data of trading sites. Such gifts weighing 500-600 g cost this year Russians an average of 791 rubles, follows from the data of the analytical center "Chek Index" of the company "Platform OFD". The average check for children's holiday sets of sweets has grown this year by 12-13%.