Here are some tips which will help you spend less this Christmas
Christmas is one time when it is really difficult to keep your finances under control and spend less. In addition to feeling rushed off our feet, there is the thorny problem of trying to buy good Christmas presents that cost next to nothing. The following are a few tips which if you follow them will help you spend less this Christmas and for every Christmas from now on.
Budget Budget Budget
Try to set a budget and stick to it. Reduce the number of presents you buy for people or children. Try to step back from feeling that the size of your present is reflective on how much you care, particularly when it comes to children, who are masters at parting us with our money.
If you are feeling guilty that Father Christmas is going to be a bit of a disappointment, then develop a story that explains why this is happening. For example Father Christmas is giving presents to poor children.
Here are some ideas for presents and stocking fillers which cost next to nothing
Instead of rushing out and buying boxes of chocolates why not make your own sweets. Fudge is easy, vanilla slice absolutely delicious and peppermint creams are surprisingly simple to make. The kids can also get involved too as peppermints creams and coconut slice require no cooking. For lots of ideas take a look at the following these edible presents you can make.
Instead of a physical present why not give a couples hours of your time.
- This could be for baby sitting.
- Washing the car
- Housework or gardening
- A manicure or pedicure
Always ask for free samples when you buy cosmetics, these will make great stocking fillers.
- Give away things you longer use or need as presents.
- Take cuttings from plants in your garden.
- Get tickets for your favourite BBC show – which are free. Just make sure you check on age limits if you are buying tickets for children.
- Don’t buy so many presents – lets face it Christmas is for the kids.
- Instead of buying a gift for someone who has everything consider sponsoring a guide dog or donating to their favourite charity.
Set up a Secret Santa scheme
Each person buys a gift for one other person, chosen by ballot, spending to an agreed limit.
Alternatively, make opening cheap treats more fun by putting them, wrapped, into a festively decorated dustbin filled with shredded newspaper and turning present-giving into a Lucky Dip.
Share the cost of Christmas Dinner
Share the cost of Christmas by gathering as many members of the family together as you can. Each person can provide one element – the turkey, booze, puddings etc.
Remember by making a few alternations so that you spend less this Christmas it will mean that you can put all that hard earned cash towards something nice in 2018.
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