Image via Complex Original
As joyful as the holidays are, it’s a depressing fact that the Christmas season is the most expensive time of the year (joy). Unfortunately for heads, it’s also the time when some of the year’s most coveted kicks hit stores.
Between spending on gifts for loved ones and shelling out money on Fair Isle turtlenecks for all of those “ugly Christmas sweater” parties, it could be hard to scrape up enough cash to cop kicks in December. But don’t worry. Here are some hacks that’ll help you get through. Check out 10 Ways To Manage Your Holiday Sneaker Budget.
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Make a list.
It's a time of year when you have to divide spending on yourself and on loved ones. Making a list of what you're going to need to buy (and sticking to it) is a good way to keep yourself from making the mistake of going overboard and compulsively buying shit you'll regret afterwards.
Check that list twice.
You can't (and you shouldn't) buy a gift for everyone. So make sure you prioritize the peeps on your gifting list. Also, ask yourself if the gift will be appropriate for the recipient and that it's in your price range. You don't want to waste money buying a new iPad Air on some chick you've only been dating a few weeks. Imagine how many pairs of kicks you could've bought with that money?
Be an educated shopper.
Doing some comparison shopping can help stretch holiday funds a bit further. Before hitting the mall or your favorite sneaker shop, take some time to find out who's got the best deal on the kicks you're looking for.
Cut down on partying.
It's simple math. If you need more money for X, you're going to need to cut back what you're spending on Y. You'll be surprised at how much cash you save by having a few quiet Friday nights in. Besides, you can always make up for the missed time on New Year's Eve.
Shop the sales.
There's nothing wrong with being a frugal sneaker shopper. If you're not on the hunt for a major release, you can always wait until they go on clearance. There's also KicksDeals or these dope kicks under $60.
Make friends with sneaker store employees.
Sneaker store workers, or anyone working in retail for that matter, are some of the most tired and overworked people around this time of year. It makes for the perfect opportunity to play into their vulnerability by bringing them a Red Bull now and then. As a result of your generosity, maybe they'll look you out when they're feeling generous with their employee discount or when a big release comes out.
Sell, sell, sell.
Sometimes the easiest way to fast cash is unloading the excess inventory in your sneaker closet. If you're willing to part with some kicks, it's always an option.
Put the sneakers your want on YOUR wish list.
It's an obvious way to not dip into your personal budget during the holidays. However, if you're trusting a non-sneaker enthusiast to cop those kicks for you, they might not be able to comprehend the struggle of Twitter RSVP, campouts, or inflation prices from resellers.
Open a credit card.
Messing with credit cards is dangerous territory, but useful if used responsibly. If you've got good credit, you can always charge purchases you don't have enough cash for at the moment. But, try to pay them off within a month and be careful not to ruin your credit score over the latest and greatest sneaks.
Ask mom and dad.
If you've got a terrible credit rating, get paid minimum wage, and have no shame in your game—there's always good ol' mom and dad to help you get out of a bind. Although, if you're stooping to this level, maybe you should reconsider your priorities.
