With the festive season fast-approaching Christmas will be here in no time at all. While Christmas is meant to be a joyous occasion – spending time with loved ones and unwinding at the end of a busy year – it can leave many with spending hangovers which lead into the New Year. Now is the time for forward planning to help minimise debt and ensure you can celebrate without financial concern.
5 Simple steps to help you save
1. You must plan to spend. Write out a list of friends and family you want to buy a gift for, then allocate an amount to each. Add up each amount and you can have a general idea on how much you will be spending this Christmas. Don’t forget to include costs for wrapping paper, gift cards, stickers and any other extras you may purchase.
2. Start window shopping early and take advantage of bargains and sales. You could end up savings hundreds by simply comparing prices at different shops, using comparison websites and even looking things up on eBay! If you find a bargain, grab it, even if it’s several months before the big day!
3. Make small sacrifices. If you’re finding it difficult to put money aside for Christmas, have a look at your spending habits. It might be worthwhile cutting down on coffee, eating out or stopping habits such as smoking and drinking. A few little sacrifices could save you hundreds. Why not make a New Year’s Resolution to quit these habits and knock two birds with one stone?
4. Watch Your Credit. If you tend to overspend or put many purchases on a credit card, consider swapping it out for a debit card instead. It works just like credit, expect you spend your own money – so once it runs out, that’s it. Using a debit card can help put you in the right mindset for spending and will encourage you to think twice before making an unnecessary purchase.
5. Start a coin jar. It’s easy and you can end up savings hundreds of dollars! At the end of every day, drop any spare change you have into a jar. Make a personal commitment to throw in a gold coin every day in addition to any silver pieces. If you find a note in your back pocket on wash day, why not throw this into the jar too?
By following these simple steps, you will be surprised at much easier Christmas shopping in Narellan can become and how much you will be able to save! Just think, if you keep these savings habits for a few extra months, you’ll be able to afford extras purchases during January sales in Narellan!
