Lifestyle
As Eid al-Fitr approaches, many of us start to feel excited and rushed! Suddenly, we remember that we haven’t bought Eid clothes or sweets yet. That’s when the last-minute shopping spree begins, along with booking salon appointments and scrambling to find whatever is still available.
But have you ever stopped to think about the financial impact of last-minute shopping? How does it affect your personal budget? And can you avoid the financial surprises that often come with the rush?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the effects of last-minute shopping, how to avoid them, and smart financial tips to help you get ready for Eid without stress or unexpected expenses. We’ll also highlight some features from Bank al Etihad that can make preparing for Eid easier and more budget-friendly.
Why is last-minute shopping more expensive?
1. Higher prices as Eid nears
It’s well known that prices go up in the days leading up to Eid due to increased demand and shoppers competing for the same items. Retailers know that last-minute shoppers are in a hurry and won’t have time to compare prices. So, you end up paying much more for the same item that was cheaper just 2 weeks earlier.
2. Fewer options and lower quality
The closer Eid gets, the fewer choices you’ll find in stores. You might be stuck with what’s left, which may not suit your taste or needs, whether it’s clothes, shoes, gifts, or even sweets. Quality can also take a hit, as lower-quality products tend to fill the shelves at the last minute.
3. Quick and sometimes random decisions
When you’re in a rush, there’s no time to think things through or compare. You end up buying the first thing you see, thinking “there’s no time to keep looking!” or because the seller told you it’s the “last one.” The result? Spending more on things you may not really need and might regret later.
4. Overusing credit cards
When you're under pressure and shopping at the last minute, you might start using your credit card without much thought. This can lead to piling up payments and interest, meaning you’ll be paying off more than you expected after Eid.
How can you avoid this scenario?
It might be too late to plan for this Eid, but here are some simple and effective steps to help you celebrate the next one with less stress and smarter spending:
1. Start planning early
List everything you’ll need for Eid. For example, clothes, gifts, sweets, and salon appointments. Then, set a budget for each item and make sure to stick to it.
2. Set a Eid savings goal
Divide the amount you’ll need by the number of weeks left, and start saving gradually. With the standing order feature on the Bank al Etihad app, you can schedule automatic transfers to another account monthly, weekly, or as frequently as you like. It helps you save without thinking and track your progress toward your Eid goal.
3. Take advantage of early offers
Before shops get busy, look for sales and promotions that start sometime before Eid. This will save you money and time, give you more options, and allow you to compare prices and quality. You can also enjoy exclusive discounts from our wide network of partners on a variety of products, including food and fashion, when using any Bank al Etihad card.
Take a look at our partner network here.
What if you have to shop at the last minute?
If you find yourself shopping late this Eid, here are some tips to reduce the stress:
- Be realistic: Don’t try to buy everything at once. Set your priorities and focus on the essentials. And don’t let the pressure push you into buying things you don’t really need. With thoughtful planning, you can cover the basics without wrecking your budget.
- Shop online if possible: Many websites and online stores offer express delivery before Eid, making it easier to compare items and prices from home. Our multi-currency prepaid card is perfect for international online shopping because it saves on currency exchange fees and makes the experience smoother. Don’t have one? You can quickly issue it through our app by following the steps here.
- Use credit wisely: Before using your credit card, ask yourself: “Can I afford this purchase without adding to my debt?” To avoid overspending, only use your card if you can pay it off in full when the bill is due. Don’t have a credit card? You can easily apply for one through our app. Just follow the steps here.
One last tip before Eid
Eid isn’t about how many things you buy. It’s about peace of mind, time with loved ones, and the joy of giving. So, don’t let last-minute shopping take away from that.
We wish you a happy Eid and smart shopping!
