Top 14 Smart Tips for Saving Money During Tết You Should Know

With the challenging times, many young people have adjusted their habits to better match their realities. Poor habits like snacking, dining out with friends, and unnecessary shopping have been minimized to create more sustainable routines. To save money during Tết, one clever approach is to reduce dining out and focus on eating at home. Dining at home not only helps save money but also brings the family together for warm, cozy moments.

Dining out during Tết can be much more expensive than usual, sometimes costing two to three times more. For example, a bowl of pho during Tết can cost anywhere from 50,000 to 90,000 VND, which can quickly add up and strain your budget.

Instead of blindly picking items at the supermarket, a smarter shopping strategy is to visit local markets or wholesale markets. Groceries at supermarkets are often pricier compared to those at local or wholesale markets. For Tết shopping, consider going to these markets to save more.

Although it may take a little extra time and patience, the savings and quality you’ll find will be worth it. In local or wholesale markets, you'll often find lower prices than at the supermarket, plus a wide selection of fresh products without preservatives or pesticides. If you take the time to choose carefully, you can also find farm-fresh chickens or river fish that are incredibly delicious and high quality.

If you wait until the last minute, when Tết is just around the corner, to start your shopping, you’re making a costly mistake. Prices rise dramatically during peak shopping times, and if you're after rare items, you'll likely be forced to pay inflated prices. To save money and manage your budget wisely, it's better to shop gradually in advance. Stock up on non-perishable items that have a long shelf life, and get the essentials early.

By shopping early, you can avoid the stress of last-minute purchases, ensure better product quality, and avoid the high prices or low-quality leftovers that are common when items sell out quickly. In short, to avoid price hikes and rushed shopping, start your Tết shopping early and save a significant amount.

Instead of heading to the market to buy a pile of groceries, consider making the most of what you already have in your own garden or backyard. Growing your own vegetables, fruits, and even raising chickens can provide a reliable, safe, and cost-effective source of food for Tết.

If you were to buy these items, you’d end up spending a lot of money, but by growing your own vegetables, having fruits for offerings, and raising chickens for meals, you save a significant amount while enjoying fresh, nutritious produce.

In Vietnam, Tết is a highly revered holiday, and many people tend to overspend during this time. Some may overemphasize the occasion, spending lavishly because they believe they only get a few days of celebration each year. But times have changed, and there’s no need to go overboard. Instead, focus on purchasing only the essentials.

From Tết flowers and decorative plants to food items, aim to buy just enough. Overspending won’t bring extra joy, and it can lead to waste. In recent years, there’s been growing concern over the massive food waste during Tết, with people buying large amounts of food only to throw it away uneaten. Be mindful of what you purchase and prioritize what’s necessary for your family rather than indulging excessively.

Every year, many people spend a fair amount of money on new Tết decorations to make their homes look festive, including string lights, artificial flowers, and other decorative items. A smarter approach is to save those decorations after the holiday, so you can reuse them the following year.

Simply dust them off, and you’ll have beautiful decorations ready for next year, without spending extra money. Think about it: If you toss out everything after Tết, you’ll end up spending a lot more to replace those items next year. Don’t hesitate to reuse decorations from previous years to save significantly.

As the saying goes, 'The thought behind a gift is more valuable than the gift itself,' so when it comes to Tết, it's important to carefully consider your spending on gifts and red envelopes. Giving gifts and offering money to family members, especially to children, is a significant part of the New Year's celebration.

The value of gifts or money should be thoughtfully considered. You don’t need to spend excessively or give large sums in red envelopes. Instead, choose meaningful gifts that will be appreciated, allowing you to stay within budget while still spreading joy.

Before making a purchase, it’s natural to question the price and quality of an item. At this point, you'll likely look for reviews and compare prices at various stores to ensure you're making the right choice.

Before you start your Tết shopping, take a little time to browse the internet or visit different markets, supermarkets, and stores to compare prices for the essential items you need. Don’t rush into a purchase, especially right before Tết, when the pressure to buy can lead to unnecessary purchases at inflated prices.

While shopping needs can vary, most households require similar items to prepare for Tết. With reduced incomes and a tighter budget this year, many homemakers are teaming up to buy Tết goods together to save money. Shop owners are often willing to offer significant discounts for bulk purchases from groups.

So, why not invite friends, family, or neighbors to join in and purchase Tết goods as a group? This way, you can benefit from wholesale prices, special discounts, or even complimentary gifts, helping you save even more.

When shopping for Tết, only bring enough cash to cover your immediate needs. Avoid carrying large sums, as it’s easy to overspend on impulse buys that weren't part of your plan.

It’s better to shop gradually in multiple trips rather than doing all your shopping in one go. This not only helps you avoid the shock of a hefty bill but also gives you time to find high-quality, essential items at reasonable prices.

Many families have the habit of stockpiling food for Tết, driven by the belief that it's better to have too much than too little. However, storing food for too long can lead to spoilage, posing health risks to your family. Plus, it results in unnecessary spending on preserved food.

Instead, plan more wisely by calculating just enough food for the three days of Tết. You can save quite a bit, and by the 3rd or 4th day, local markets will have fresh supplies available. So, no need to worry about running out of food!

Not having a spending plan is a mistake many homemakers make. During Tết, you’ll have numerous expenses—shopping, gift-giving, and red envelopes for children. It feels like every little thing requires spending. With unlimited needs but limited funds, a smart way to avoid draining your account is by creating a budget. For instance, if your family is more financially stable, you can plan for a more generous budget, but if you're on a tighter budget, adjust your spending accordingly to stay within a set amount.

For example, if your Tết budget is 10 million VND, break it down into how much to spend on shopping, gifts, red envelopes, etc. This way, you’ll stay in control and avoid overspending.

To save money and ensure food safety, it’s smart to make your own Tết treats rather than buying them pre-made. If you're crafty, you can even create your own decorative flowers for the holiday, prepare your own sweets instead of purchasing them, or make traditional foods like giò (Vietnamese sausages), chả (pâté), and bánh (cakes). It will take some time, but you’ll be amazed at how much you can save.

DIY Tết foods have become a popular trend among families because they save nearly half the cost of store-bought goods, add a personal touch to your home, and ensure food safety. Plus, making your own holiday treats creates a warm atmosphere in the kitchen, bringing your family closer together while knowing exactly where your ingredients come from.

During the end-of-year holidays and major seasonal events, stores, especially supermarkets, often run promotional discounts. Instead of shopping on regular days, take advantage of these special promotions to buy all the essential items and dry foods you need for Tết at significantly lower prices.

If you save just a few thousand or even tens or hundreds of thousands on each item, it quickly adds up to a nice sum. This is a smart and budget-friendly way to prepare for the Tết holiday without breaking the bank.