Our Guide to Navigating the Christmas Period
Christmas is a festive and joyous time of year, but it can also be a busy, stressful and an expensive time - it's all too easy to get carried away!
Here are a few tips to keep on budget this Christmas:
Think budget and plan ahead
- Start saving early and set a realistic budget to cover your festive activities. Look and assess how much money you have available to spend over the festive period. Be realistic, taking into account all the extra things like festive food, decorations and gifts.
- Keep track of your spending and remember the other everyday costs that you have.
Gifting – manage expectations
- If buying for larger groups of family or friends, consider agreeing a price limit or having a ‘secret santa’ when everyone buys and receives one gift rather than buying multiple gifts.
- Draw up a list to avoid impulse and duplicate buying. Plan ahead for the better deals.
- If children have an endless and ever-changing list of gift suggestions, talk to them and manage their expectations.
- Remember it’s the thought that should count when gifting not the cost of the gift.
Try not to leave shopping to the last minute
- You have more choice the earlier you start. Starting early can also avoid the queues and disappointment if sought after items have sold out.
Consider selling or passing on items you no longer need or use:
- This could be a source of additional income over the festive period and also free up space within your home.
Keep receipts
- It is always good to keep your receipts together, especially if you need to return an item. You could also ask for a gift receipt.