Holiday gift-buying: tips to avoid breaking the bank [Video]

The holidays are approaching and, for many people, that means it’s time to start buying gifts.

While some U.S. holiday shoppers have already begun spending, 49% said they were looking to kick off theirs in November or December, according to a recent Bankrate survey.

That included over one-third – 37% – of holiday shoppers who reported plans to start this month, the survey found. For 15%, they intended to wait a little longer and begin their purchases next month. 

MORE THAN A THIRD OF HOLIDAY SHOPPERS’ WILL SPEND LESS THIS YEAR THAN IN 2023

No matter when they intended to buy gifts, more than one quarter of shoppers indicated holiday shopping costs were looming over them. Stacking discounts, using gift cards and making a budget are among some of the strategies that holiday shoppers can use to afford presents and avoid breaking the bank, according to Bankrate senior analyst Ted Rossman.

“I’m a …