The holidays are just around the corner, and that means big sales, massive crowds, and endless deals. Whether you’re planning to stock up on gifts, score the latest gadgets, or refresh your winter wardrobe, holiday sales are a perfect chance to save money. But navigating these sales can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can maximize your savings and stay stress-free. From timing your purchases right to using tech to your advantage, we’ve rounded up eight tried-and-true shopping hacks to help you crush it this holiday season. Grab your list (and a cup of cocoa) because it's time to shop like a pro!

1. Plan Ahead and Make a List

Impulse shopping is fun, but it’s also a fast way to blow your budget. Before the holiday deals start rolling in, write down what you actually need or want to buy. Whether it’s gifts for loved ones or something for yourself, knowing what you’re hunting for helps you stay focused. Bonus tip? Include a spending limit for every item to avoid overspending. This simple trick keeps you from wandering aimlessly from sale to sale and ensures your money goes toward the things that matter.

2. Sign Up for Newsletters

It might feel annoying to add another email to your inbox, but signing up for store newsletters has major perks. Most retailers give their subscribers early access to sales, exclusive coupon codes, or other deals you won’t find anywhere else. Some even send new subscribers a welcome discount immediately! To avoid email clutter, create a separate email account specifically for shopping. This way, you can stay in the know without your main inbox being flooded.

3. Shop Early (or Super Late)

Timing is everything when it comes to holiday shopping. While most people rush to stores during peak sale times, like Black Friday or the days leading up to Christmas, you can often snag better deals by shopping early or waiting until the very last minute. Many stores offer pre-holiday deals in November, and post-holiday clearance sales in January can be a goldmine. By avoiding the busiest seasons, you’ll also deal with smaller crowds and less stress.

4. Use Price-Tracking Tools

Gone are the days of flipping through store flyers to compare prices. Now, apps and browser extensions like Honey, Rakuten, and CamelCamelCamel make it easy to track prices on everything from electronics to kitchen gadgets. Some of these tools even notify you when the price of your wish-list item drops or offer cashback rewards. Using technology to your advantage ensures you’re getting the best price with minimal effort.

5. Don’t Ignore Small Businesses

Holiday sales aren’t just about big retailers like Amazon or Walmart. Many local shops and small businesses also offer amazing discounts during the holidays. Shopping small not only gets you unique, one-of-a-kind gifts but also supports your local economy. Smaller stores may be more likely to negotiate on prices or throw in freebies, especially if you’re a repeat customer. Keep an eye on their websites or social media pages for special promotions and events.

6. Stack Discounts When You Can

Why settle for one deal when you can double (or even triple) your savings? Stacking discounts means using multiple offers on the same purchase. For example, you can combine a store-wide sale with a promo code and cashback rewards from a credit card. It might take a little extra work to find the best combinations, but the savings are worth it. Check if your favorite stores allow price match guarantees. If they do, you can ask for a lower price without leaving the store.

7. Shop With Cashback and Reward Apps

Cashback apps and reward programs are like free money for shopping. Apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards give you money back for buying specific items, while credit cards with cashback perks can earn you a percentage back on every purchase. For loyal shoppers, signing up for store reward programs can also lead to exclusive deals, early access to sales, and even birthday freebies. Over time, these small savings can add up to big bucks.

8. Set Alerts for Lightning Deals

Holidays are prime time for flash sales and lightning deals. These super-short discounts often pop up for just a few hours, offering crazy low prices on hot items. To stay ahead, enable notifications on your favorite store apps or shopping platforms. Websites like Amazon make it easy to set alerts for items you’re watching. Quick tip? If you see something amazing during one of these deals, grab it fast. Stock tends to run out quickly, and there’s no guarantee it’ll come back.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Price Check

It’s easy to assume holiday sale prices are the best out there, but that’s not always the case. Some stores use tricks to make prices look lower than they are, like marking down items from an artificially high "original" price. Before you buy, do a quick online search for the item to see if it’s truly a good deal. Price-checking tools or even a quick Google search can prevent you from overpaying.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive if you know how to play your cards right. The holidays are meant to be joyful, so shop smart and enjoy the season with a little extra cash in your pocket!