It’s the most beautiful time of the year, even on a tight budget!
With Christmas just around the corner, many people are looking for ways to save money.
Gifts, decorations, Meals, it’s all part of the festive fun, but the costs can add up. There is no need to spend a fortune on the festivities. We’ve have put together some money saving tips to help you save money this Christmas, even on a tight budget!
1) Plan ahead
It may seem obvious, but the sooner you start prepping, the less stressful December will be. Sort out everything you need to do before the big day.
Make a Christmas budget, it might be painful, but take a good look at your bank balance to work out how much cash you have to play with and maybe considering cutting back on a few luxuries such as take aways and switching to pre-pack homemade lunch.
2) Shop smarter
Pre-December, it is worth checking out the deals on Black Friday, it also helps to spread the cost.
Voucher codes and flash sale sites can be a lifesaver at Christmas, the web usually beats the high street on price. To help, comparison sites search the net to find the cheapest books, games, or anything else. Google Shopping is the most consistent at finding the cheapest price – Google Shopping searches a wide range of retailers, including biggies such as Amazon, Currys PC World, John Lewis and Tesco.
Ebay, Tkmaxx, Charityshop, poundshop are also great places to shop on a budget for stocking fillers, secret Santa and cheap Christmas decorations.
3) Ban unnecessary presents
Consider not giving this Christmas. We are not talking about gifts from parents or grandparents, but the friends, extended family, and colleagues.
Christmas is not a retail festival – we need to end obliged giving and think about what we are giving, to whom and why. Trade materialism for memories. Give a personalised Christmas card, do not underestimate the value of a homemade gift, it really is the thought that counts.
4) Free Kids activities
Look for local community events, wintery walks after dark to admire twinkly streets and Christmas decorations window display, followed by a hot chocolate and mince pies at home watching a Christmas movie together.
Be crafty Homemade decorations can add a lovely warm feel and little ones will get a thrill from contributing to the tree or a bit of wall-space, the pound shop really is your friend here!
5) Christmas dinner
Again, make a list and plan, sort out and buy only what you need. Your wallet will thank for that. Stock up on non-perishables like canned and frozen goods a little at a time in the run-up to December – you’ll spread the cost over a period of weeks or even months, and avoid having to do one frantic Christmas megashop – it’s a win-win!
Stay tune for our special “ Christmas dinner on budget” tips and recipes blog article coming soon!
Charities:
Here is a list of charities who are helping more vulnerable people during the festive season with food and essential needs. Do not hesitate to contact them if you either need help or want to support their cause.
https://www.trusselltrust.org/
https://fareshare.org.uk/
https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/
