If you’re wondering how you’re going to pay for everything to do with Christmas this year, you’re not alone. Some people turn to loans and other forms of credit just to be able to buy presents. It sort of takes all of the joy out of giving, don’t you think? Try this if you want to avoid breaking the bank this year!
Make A Strict Budget – Only What You Can Afford
Take a look at your finances and make a strict budget. Make sure you only include what you can afford here. Include how much you’d like to spend on food, decorations, and gifts. You can then allocate each person a specific amount that you plan on spending on them. Being organized like this will stop you from overspending. If you go shopping without a budget, it’s all too easy to keep buying until you’re in your overdraft!
Use Discount Codes On Everything
Use discount codes and offers on absolutely everything you buy. If you do a quick search online, it’s never too difficult to find something you can use. Especially if you bookmark the sites you have the most success with.
Don’t Buy Too Much Food
Christmas is a time we all like to stuff our faces and eat a bit more than usual. However, you could be going overboard. If you’re buying boxes and boxes of chocolates and biscuits, you’ll likely have them left well into the new year. Let’s be honest, it isn’t great for your family’s health either. Only buy what you think you’ll eat. People go shopping as if there’s going to be a food shortage. Don’t make the same mistake!
Remember The True Meaning Of Christmas
Don’t be tempted to overspend by forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. You can be in the festive spirit without spending a fortune on gifts. You don’t want your children to think that Christmas is all about presents either, so spoiling them with lots of things they don’t need could be a bad idea. Of course, how much you spend on your kids is up to you, but make sure they know the true meaning of Christmas too.
Give To Charity
If you usually buy for friends or non-immediate family members, how about giving to charity in their name instead? This is a great way to do something good for the world, and you’ll likely make the other person feel good too.
Try Handmade Gifts
Making gifts can be a lot of fun, especially if you get your kids involved. You could give something they’ve made themselves, or let them help you make cards/gifts. Handmade gifts are unique, and they take way more thought than simply going to a shop and buying something.
See? Christmas really doesn’t have to break the bank this year. You can have a wonderful time with the people you love, without letting money stress you out. People spend way too much money on ‘stuff’ these days. Let’s get the real spirit of Christmas back!