With the hustle and the bustle of the festive season, things can get on top of you. We can feel the stress and often pressure about buying things for loved ones that we perhaps cannot afford. One of the best ways to ensure that we stick to our seasonal budgets is to create a list of Christmas shopping. How can you stick to them though and ensure that you don't overspend at this time of year? Let's have a look.
Make A List, Check It Twice & Stick To It
As we've said, that list is so important if you don't want to overspend. Write yourself a list of Christmas shopping and then check it twice, just like the man in the suit himself! Then you just need to stick to it. If you are going round the shops, don't get distracted by things that are in your festive face. Retailers want you to be turned by delicious looking foods and beautiful gifts. You need to push through and not have your head turned. Keep that list in your hand, keep focused on the items that you need to purchase and don't lose your stride.
What to do with unwanted Christmas presents
Shop Online & Only Search For What You Need
When you shop online for your list of Christmas shopping, you can avoid the potential distractions of the shop shelves. That festive marketing and big deal prices that we get targeted with in the stores can be pushed aside. Whilst adverts on the internet can still show us stuff that we can be tempted by, by using our list and actually typing in the items we want to add to our basket, we can avoid other potential purchases. If you can combine buying things from the same shop you might be able to get free delivery. Don't forget to click through a cashback site like Quidco too.
Know Your Budget & Shop With Cash
If you are shopping in stores, have you considered using cash to buy your list of Christmas shopping? If you know the prices of the things you're wanting to buy, you can leave your card at home and only take out the cash you need to buy those goods. That way you physically cannot buy anything above what you need. Check the prices at the stores you are going to visit and then total up what you need. Withdraw the cash, leave your card at home so you don't use the so-easy contactless ‘beep' and pay for your items with cash. Of course, if you're carrying a lot of cash around, you need to be careful. Be aware of where it is in your pocket or bag and keep an eye on it.
Give Yourself A Little Bit Of Leeway
All this budgeting is brilliant to keep yourself on track with your finances, however if you are able to, maybe give yourself a little bit of leeway. If you're heading to the shops, maybe a festive hot chocolate can be enjoyed, so ensure you budget that in for your list of Christmas shopping. We all deserve a little bit of festive fun.
Sticking to your list can be hard, especially with so many amazing products out there. It's the most wonderful time of the year but it's not a time worth getting into debt over. Use your list well and spend wisely. Happy Christmas.
