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able, so be sure to check reviews and privacy/security measures before downloading. T HINK CREATIVELY Gifts. Take time to carefully scan all promotional materials be- fore you head out the door or open a browser, because great deals are often available for limited periods of time. For example, some stores have offered generous gift cards in exchange for buying cer- tain products on Black Friday. Consider giving experiences rather than gifts, which happiness experts say could lead to more sustained levels of well-being. In fact, you may find that you'll spend less overall by giving one or two memorable experiences instead of the usual pile of items. Create meaningful yet inexpensive gifts, such as photo books, calendars, and family recipe books, using online apps and services. This idea is especially appropriate for gifts from children to older family members. For larger or extended families, make a game out of gift giving. Consider a "Yankee swap," or implement a gift exchange, where everyone is randomly assigned a person for whom they buy one special gift. Or consider having the entire family chip in a certain amount per person and donating to a favorite charity or sponsoring another family in need. Food. Nonperishable holiday-related goods typically go on sale in late fall, so plan ahead and stock up. Also keep an eye out for specials; for example, some grocery stores offer a free turkey around Thanksgiving when you spend a certain amount on groceries. Party planning, decorations, gift wrap. Consider buying the bulk of these supplies at deep-discount stores and splurging on a few special highlight items, such as napkins with an elaborate de- sign, centerpieces of fresh flowers, or fancy bows. If you live in an area where evergreens, autumn berries, and pine cones are plentiful, take advantage of this potentially sophisticated, yet completely free, decor. Or create even more memories by hosting an orna- ment-making party. Use old costume jewelry or other items to make ornaments and decorations with sentimental value. Travel. During one of the busiest travel times of the year, deals can be hard to find. Here are some tips: • Be flexible. If you can postpone your celebration until after the holidays, you may be able to save substantially on travel costs. (You can also shop the post-holiday sales for gifts!) • Avoid airline baggage fees by using carry-on luggage. • Use fare-tracking apps to find the best deals. • Cost-compare alternative modes of travel, such as train and ridesharing. I T ' S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START SAVING Finally, get a jump on next year's festivities by stocking up on supplies during post-holiday sales, opening a savings account with a goal of saving at least as much as you spend this year, and shopping as early as possible to spread spending throughout the year. n This article has been provided by Brian Belsterling, Financial Advisor with Paragon Advisors Group, LLC in conjunction with Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, LLC Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter NOVEMBER 2019 59