With the holidays fast approaching, you may be faced with unusual expenses, not just holiday meals but a variety of related costs. To help you navigate the most expensive month of the year smartly, here are some consumer tips to help you save a few hundred shekels.
The secret lies in good time management, price comparison and planning ahead, which will allow you to take advantage of the best deals and avoid unnecessary expenses. Hira Knister Bar David, CEO of Shelaha Consumer Club and smart shopping expert, shares all her top tips.
When do you shop smart?
Meat and Fish: Buying early is the key to saving money. Buy meat and fish before expected price increases and freeze them until your holiday night. This way you can avoid last-minute price hikes.
Dry Goods: Items like flour, cereal, spices and canned goods are best purchased the week before the holidays, when stores have sales on non-perishable items, offering great savings.
How much can you save?
With smart planning, you can save 20% to 30% on your regular food and holiday expenses, especially if you buy in bulk or for multiple families, which can ultimately total hundreds of shekels. Studies show that the average family spends NIS 3,500 to 5,500 on food and entertainment during Tishri, and when you factor in outings and entertainment during the long holiday, the costs can reach tens of thousands of shekels.
How can you save money on other expenses besides food?
Holiday Gifts: Instead of investing heavily in expensive gifts, consider practical or handmade gifts, which are not only more personal but also more cost-effective.
Festive clothing: Look for clothes on sale before the holidays and buy previous season pieces at end-of-season prices.
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Holiday decorations and table settings: Reusing previous holiday decorations or creating homemade decorations adds a personal touch and is inexpensive. Hila Knister Bar David (Photo by Ronen Aloni)
Smart consumer tips for saving money on vacation:
Prepare a detailed list: This will help you avoid unplanned purchases that may inflate your expenses.
Look for pre-holiday sales from consumer clubs and credit card companies: Take advantage of the time before the rush to shop smart and find out where you can find the best deals, especially on meat, dry goods and gifts.
Compare prices online: Using price comparison websites can help you find the best deal.
Group Buying: Teaming up with friends and family to buy in bulk from the food pantry can help you save big.
Take advantage of 1+1 or bulk purchase promotions: You might be able to get your essentials for less, so keep an eye out for great promotions.
Make a handmade gift: Homemade baked goods, personal creations, or DIY projects can be inexpensive, charming, and meaningful.
Plan meals wisely: To avoid waste, make sure holiday meals are appropriate for the number of people dining and save leftovers to be reused.
Proper planning, thoughtful shopping and taking advantage of great deals are the keys to a Tishree holiday with maximum enjoyment and minimum expenditure.
