Christmas is quickly approaching, and while many of us have been consumed with making plans with family, friends, and co-workers Many of us have failed to ask ourselves, “Am I financially prepared?” for the season ahead.
It’s never too early or too late to start putting money aside for the holidays. To help you save money and achieve your financial objectives, follow our Christmas savings plan.
Here is our secret Santa gift to you:
- Have a pre-Christmas spring clean!
Yes, we said spring clean. Go through any items you don’t need and re-purpose them. Ask yourself do I need new stuff or is the spirit of Christmas is one of giving to others.
- Make a list and check it off!
We have mentioned this before but sitting down with your family coming up with a spending plan, budget, and Santa list can make a real difference. Choose one gift on the list and only one and then ask your children to come up with ways they can contribute to this list.
- Save money and shop local
Shopping locally can not only help you support a locally owned and managed business, but it can also help you save money. Consider doing your shopping locally rather than going to a major retail store. Invest in businesses that are in desperate need of cash.
- Ask family to make home-made gifts this year
You heard us, correctly. Make a wish list and see if any of the items can be manufactured at home with items you currently have.
- Set up a Christmas baking day and give your children the gift of treats:
I’m not sure about you, but baking has always been a big ritual in our home. Imagine it’s 7 a.m., and everyone is rushing down to make delectable sweets while listening to Christmas carols. Is this your idea of a perfect Christmas day? While Christmas Day on the Gold Coast is normally hot, we are in for a wet and rainy season, so why not put down your laptop and spend to save using a baked treat gift tin or offer them as gifts to your children’s teachers instead of buying costly gifts?
- Prepare, prepay, and layby: Get to work on your preparations, and like Santa said, establish a list and stick to it. Instead, encourage your kids to pick one item from the list. Remind your children that it is more important for everyone to be together and celebrate food, celebrations, and small gifts than it is for them to receive gifts. Also, don’t forget to put your present on hold and pay it off using the money you’ve set aside rather than your credit card.
- Lighten your load with a potluck dinner
What person doesn’t like a nice potluck? It’s not always about the food, but sharing the expense of meals may assist families in need. This Christmas, remember that you don’t necessarily need that extra Turkey, so bring it over to your neighbor’s house and give them the gift of your time instead.
- Open a Christmas savings bank account and put just 5% away every season
- Avoid credit card debt by instead using cash.
- Consider the less fortunate and donate to a local charity such as Lifeline: www.fundraise.lifeline.org.au/shinealight01
We hope these tips have inspired you not only to save more but to appreciate the time you have with your family this festive season.
