Christmas always puts some extra strain on finances, but by some careful planning there are ways to enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank.
- Have a plan – before the shopping starts, work out what you want to spend and how much you can afford. There are some good planning and spending tools available, like the MoneySuperMarket savings calculator. This should make your money go further and is a far better plan than simply overloading the credit card which you’ll probably regret come January!
- Keep to your budget – it’s easy to run over your budget in the heat of an epic shopping trip.
- Keep track of what you’re spending and stick to your self-imposed rules – whether you use a notebook or an app, can really help you stay on course.
- Beware of Black Friday – don’t get carried away in the seasonal hysteria of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Step away from the tsunami of bargains and offers for a moment – these are only great deals if you wanted them in the first place – otherwise, they’re just impulse buys and unplanned spending!
- Don’t over-cater – this is one of the most common – and easiest – ways to spend more than you planned to over Christmas. Stick to your list and have a clear idea of exactly what you want before you start food shopping. Maybe give the turkey a break? Who says you have to eat turkey this Christmas? A good-sized chicken provides a very similar meal, and many people prefer it.Turkey prices really take off at Christmas anyway, so serving up a tasty alternative could save you quite a bit.
- Start early – get some of your seasonal shopping done good and early – especially drinks and snacks. There are sometimes pre-Christmas bargains to be had. This can also prevent last-minute panic buying, which often means you pay too much or buy too much. It’s down to planning again …
- A thoughtful, personalised present can often be appreciated and treasured for longer than this year’s ‘essential’ buy … even a nicely framed photo of family or friends enjoying a shared special occasion can really hit the mark.
Useful websites
