If you don't keep a handle on things, Christmas can become an extremely expensive time of year. We all want to have a magical time with the ones that we love but that doesn't mean spending a lot of money. However hard we try, sticking to a budget can be hard. However, there are some things that we can do in order to save money at Christmas. Let's have a look at some easy-to-apply ideas that can help you hold onto more of your cash this festive season.
Plan before you spend
One of the most important things to do before Christmas is to plan. Preparation is your friend here because when you know what you want to do when you want to do it and how much it's going to cost, you are in control. It is when this control is lost that we can start spending money we didn't want to. Figure out what you will need to buy across the entire holidays, from food to festive fun. Write it all down and use last year's bank statements to give you an idea of how much you spent. This can help you set a budget which allows you to enjoy the magic, but do it in a way you can actually afford. You can also plan for Christmas throughout the year by putting a little bit aside every month. That is much more manageable than finding a lump sum at the last minute.
Stick to a food shop list
Another way to save money at Christmas is with food and drink. So many of us overbuy for Christmas. The shops are shut for just one day, so you really don't need six loaves of bread. A lot of the food we buy for Christmas ends up in the bin because we cook too much and leave packets of food on the side until they go off. That is all money you are throwing away. Be sensible and make a food shopping list of what you actually need. If there are 6 of you for Christmas dinner, do you really need 3 bags of potatoes? Figure out what you need to cook and buy the ingredients for that. Whilst you might want a little bit extra for Boxing Day brunch, you don't want to be tripping over bags of vegetables on New Year's Eve! By avoiding overbuying we save food waste and keep hold of our cash.
Talk to friends & family about gifts
Maybe things are a little bit tight this year. That's more than understandable. It could be that you've budgeted for Christmas and the gifts for your significant other and your children. However, the budget might not stretch to extended family. Now is the time to talk to friends and family about cutting out gifts this year if you are wanting to do just that. You never know, they might be feeling exactly the same and are concerned about bringing it up. A toiletry set might not seem like a lot of cash but it's money you can direct elsewhere. Be open and honest and have a Christmas within your means.
Shop the sales instead
A great way to save money at Christmas is to shop the sales. One of the best things about the interest is that after-Christmas sales often start before Christmas. You can often shop those sales and pay for next-day delivery to get your items before Christmas Day! Why pay £50 for something that is going to be £25 in a couple of days? Those Christmas gifts always drop down in price, so whilst you might want to get some things for your children all wrapped up and ready for Christmas, you might not be seeing other family members until that time between Christmas and New Year. If you can get their presents cheaper by shopping in the sales, do it.
When we focus on having a great Christmas it can often escalate out of control financially. However, by adjusting our mindset ever-so-slightly and looking at how to save money at Christmas, we can enjoy the holiday within our means, without January becoming a month of paying off debt.
