by Toma HabashiWith Christmas just around the corner, many people are feeling the financial pinch when they think about all of the gifts they need to buy for friends and family. According to a recent survey from Morrisons, the average family spends an extra £165 in December!
The truth is that you really don’t need to worry. Believe it or not it’s possible to cut the expense without cutting out the fun. Here are some creative and festive ways to save money this Christmas so the holiday season doesn’t strain your budget.
- Send Cards Instead Of Gifts
- A thoughtful Christmas card shows people that you’re thinking of them and can often mean a lot more than a present. Remember it’s the thought that counts, not what you buy or spend! Save even more money by purchasing cards in large quantities or wait until the January sales and stock up for next year taking advantage of the reduced prices!
- Shop ahead and online
- Don’t leave everything till the last minute. To get great bargains, do your research early online – there will be discounts in the run-up to Christmas – and always seek out voucher codes and promotions as well.
- Make a Shopping List
- Before you set out to go shopping, make a list of the items you need to purchase, this will prevent impulse buys and keep you focused. Keep track of the amount of money you can afford to spend and stick to it. Establish a budget ahead of time to help you save money this Christmas.
- Make your own
- You can save cash and look extra-thoughtful with nicely done homemade gifts. The trick is to make them personal – your gift may not have the gleam of a store-bought product, but it is much more heartfelt and these projects will be fun for children to have a go at.
- Switch Bank accounts
- Many banks offer substantial bribes to encourage you to switch to them – anything between £100 and £150, but bonuses can be as high as £200. If you sign up in time for Christmas, this could be a nice boost for your budget!
- Travelling this Christmas?
- If you’re going to visit family and friends and travelling on trains, then make sure you book your tickets at least 8-10 weeks in advance. Prices are much cheaper that far ahead and rise substantially closer to Christmas.
There’s lots of other things you can do to help you save money but still buy all you need and more for your family and friends this Christmas. We hope this has been helpful and we hope you have a truly awesome festive season and that your bank balance survives intact!