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Hacks to avoid overlooked holiday expenses

Sarah Beth Hensley | shensley@wtop.com

December 8, 2015, 6:15 PM

Men still drink more than women, but the gap is narrowing, a new study suggests. (Thinkstock)
Hostess gifts It’s typical for many holiday partygoers to grab a last-minute gift for the hostess, but Woroch says a little bit of planning can take the burden off your budget. Grabbing chocolates or wine from the local store can add up, she says. Instead, she says going to a warehouse store at the beginning of the season to get a bulk purchase of chocolates and discount wines can help with costs. (Thinkstock)
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Family toasting at Christmas
Party attire Don’t buy a new outfit for all parties that pop up around the holidays — recycling a few staple outfits is a better option. For women, a simple black dress paired with different accessories for each party can help you look appropriate without spending too much. Also, cheaper clothing options can be found at consignment stores or online versions such as threadup.com, Woroch says.   (Thinkstock)
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Children with Christmas presents behind backs
“White elephant” gift exchanges You may not want to spend a lot of money on gift exchanges or “white elephant” gifts, so Woroch says thrift stores and garage sales can be great places to find items. Also, regifting is acceptable in times like these. “Maybe it’s old holiday décor you no longer use, those are the types of items you can give at those exchanges,” she says. (Thinkstock)
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Gift boxes and wrapping paper rolls
Wrapping presents The cost of gift wrap can add up — it can add another $5 or $10 when it’s all said and done, she says. Instead, the Dollar Store can be an excellent option for cheap gifts cards, bags and bows. Get wrapping material in solid colors so if you don’t use it during the holidays, it can be utilized year round. Also, consider alternative and creative ways to wrap gifts such as with old circulars or newspaper, Woroch recommends. (Thinkstock)
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According to a Washington Post poll, more parents are scaling back on work to take care of their children. (Thinkstock)
Child care Shopping with the kids can be tough, so more child care can come in handy around the holidays. However, mounting child-care costs can put a dent in your wallet. Woroch recommends getting together with neighbors to develop a type of co-op for baby-sitting. Also, websites such as Care.com and SitterCity.com offer quality care at a better rate. (Thinkstock)
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Men still drink more than women, but the gap is narrowing, a new study suggests. (Thinkstock)
Family toasting at Christmas
Children with Christmas presents behind backs
Gift boxes and wrapping paper rolls
According to a Washington Post poll, more parents are scaling back on work to take care of their children. (Thinkstock)

WASHINGTON — The holidays can get costly and unexpected expenses can make you feel like a Grinch, but there are hacks to make sure your bank account isn’t drained by the time you’ve opened all of the presents.

Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert, shared some tips to anticipate some of the overlooked holiday expenses that can bust your budget.

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December 22, 2024 | Ways to avoid overlooked holiday budget expenses (Andrea Woroch, consumer and money-saving expert)

Sarah Beth Hensley

Sarah Beth Hensley is the Digital News Director at WTOP. She has worked several different roles since she began with WTOP in 2013 and has contributed to award-winning stories and coverage on the website.

shensley@wtop.com

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