Everyone overspends a bit when the holidays come. Whether that’s on food, decorations or gifts.
But for important, large-scale celebrations like Chinese New Year, the tendency to be a shopaholic can be greater.
Especially with so many sales and promotions, it can seem impossible to save money.
If you’re born in the Years of the Dragon, Dog, Rat, Monkey and Tiger, you may be in experiencing some financial woes this year.
So, here are some ways you can save money for the New Year, without drying up your rainy-day savings.
How to Save Money During Chinese New Year
Rearrange Furniture
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Nothing says wealth like home renovations or even a new change of furniture. This can put quite a strain on the bank account.
Instead of investing in a million-dollar home makeover, move things around to refresh the living room.
If you want to maximise prosperity for the New Year, make sure to follow the important Feng Shui principles. This way you don’t just end up saving money, but also draw in more wealth.
Another way to refresh your living room is to buy new furniture covers. These do require some spending but a lot less than if you bought a new sofa or coffee table.
Make sure to buy them in lucky colours like red, gold and yellow to boost your ong!
Look for Cheap Cleaning Services
Most cleaning services charge a lot to get your home spick and span.
But there are relatively inexpensive companies that can offer you basic housekeeping for half the price of regular cleaning services.
This is a list of affordable but quality cleaning services in Klang Valley.
Many of them match you with talented specialists in your areas so that you save up on the distance fee.
Payments are upfront and involve no surcharges other than maybe a deposit or insurance.
Just be sure to book in advance, there will be plenty of people looking for quick cleaning services as Chinese New Year rolls around.
Shop Locally
This goes without saying, but if you want to really save money, opt for small businesses and local wet markets for groceries on a dime.
But some superstore chains also offer relatively inexpensive merchandise.
Dollar stores, for instance, tend to have crazy discounts for regular household items that we use every day. Items never go beyond RM6 and can range from food to household to appliances.
But have a budget and shopping list anyway. We all have a tendency to stray off track at the slightest glimpse of a holiday discount on the product aisles.
DIY Your Decorations
There are so many cute rabbit figurines and artwork on sale this Chinese New Year.
People buy them both as decoration and Feng Shui cures to draw in extra luck and abundance for the Year of the Rabbit.
But if you’re short on cash, you can always make your own rabbit-themed house decors. Introducing some rabbit elements in your home can help draw in the blessings of the year into your home.
The Year of the Rabbit is predicted to bring in plenty of prosperous, healing and loving energy.
You can easily make rabbit ornaments from paper, clay, or other everyday household items. They can also be a great family bonding activity your kids can join in on.
After all, if it’s one thing kids love, it’s arts and craft.
Organise Potlucks
If you’re hosting the Chinese New Year reunion dinner this time, there’s a way to save some money on cooking and food.
Instead of cooking (or ordering) your menu items, ask your guests to bring one dish for each of the courses. From the appetiser all the way to the deserts.
This ensures that everyone contributes fairly to the meal and so that everyone can taste each other’s cooking.
Protect Your Ong and Save Money This CNY
For many of us, prosperity means abundant living. Splurging on the finer things in life.
After all, nothing says scarcity like being a miser. But there is also virtue in protecting our wealth.
Money may come easily for many this year, but without discipline and perspective, all that wealth can disappear just as quickly.
Don’t let this Chinese New Year be the reason you lose your ong.
With inflation and rising prices, it’s important to live well below our means. For our future and the future of our children.
The holiday season comes and goes, but when things get back to normal, remember, we’ll all still have bills to pay.
Motherhood wishes you and your family a Happy Chinese New Year full of love and prosperity, Gong Xi Fa Cai!