MISSION, Kan., Nov. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features) While often regarded as the most wonderful time of year, the holiday season is also an expensive spot on the calendar. Even as many families feel the squeeze of inflation and rising costs, there is hope for your budget when it comes to gatherings, gifts, food and beyond.Consider these tips from the money-saving experts at Slickdeals and Head of Deals Vitaly Pecharsky to avoid overspending without sacrificing your festive spirit.Photos courtesy of Shutterstock Photos courtesy of ShutterstockStick to a budget. Beyond gifts and stocking stuffers, holiday costs can add up quickly once you factor in travel, decor, pet care, special events and more. Create an all-encompassing budget for the season then break it into segments for each type of expense, including hidden expenses like wrapping paper or extra toiletries for guests, so you don't end up with an unexpected credit card bill.Split up food costs. Instead of putting yourself under the pressure of full-time holiday chef (and taking on all the expenses that come with it), consider hosting a potluck-style gathering

Worst gifts moms have received include toilet paper, a snarky teen attitude and a raccoonLOS ANGELES, May 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventy-three percent of Americans say that moms get very excited about a gift regardless of the price, according to a survey by Slickdeals, the only shopping platform powered by millions of avid shoppers sharing and discovering the most up-to-date online deals and coupons.However, according to mom respondents of the survey, that excitement wanes with gifts like toilet paper, snarky teen attitudes and a raccoon, some of the items that made the list for worst gifts ever received.In order to avoid ending up on the worst gift-giver list, the survey of 1,400 U.S. adults who celebrated Mother's Day in the past year, found that most stick to more traditional items. The top categories gift-givers plan to shop this year include food items (59%), personal care products (54%), clothing and shoes (54%), accessories including jewelry (48%) and gift cards (38%).Eighty-six percent of respondents plan to spend the same amount or more than they did last year on this Mother's Day and 32% said they spend more on their Mother's Day gifts than on Father's Day.Brick-and-mortar reigns supreme when it comes to gathering inspiration for Mother's Day gift ideas, with 56% of respondents stating that they go to a store and browse. Fifty percent ask friends and family and 42% search on social media.Eighty-four percent of respondents hold off their planning until a few weeks before or even the week of Mother's Day. Since 79% state that Mother's Day is very important to the mothers in their life, consider this a reminder to start planning now.To learn more about the survey, visit here.About SlickdealsSlickdeals is the only shopping platform powered by a volunteer army of 12 million avid shoppers helping other shoppers find, evaluate and share the most up-to-date online deals and coupons from all the top retailers. Through community powered shopping, Slickdeals has saved shoppers $10 billion by providing a forum for deal discovery and shopping discussion; as well as shopping tools such as its free Android or iOS app; its browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge; and its Slickdeals Cashback Rewards program

Unique Travel Inspiration for the Winter and Holiday Seasons. Travel expert Meggan Kaiser says that while holidays should be about family, the season can also provide enough time to squeeze in an adventure. Just in time for the holidays, the travel expert who literally wrote the book about affordable trips is sharing her secrets for travel this season. Meggan is a TV host, blogger and author of EVERYWHERE FOR NOTHING: FREE TRAVEL FOR THE MODERN NOMAD