The silly season may be fast approaching, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make smart decisions.
Christmas is a time for joy, but it can also be a time when finances are hard as we spoil our loved ones. Here are 5 tips on how you can reduce your Christmas costs.
Plan ahead – We’re all guilty of leaving things to the last minute, but stocking up on supplies and gifts before the shopping frenzy hits can prevent those last minute expenses.
DIY gifts – Creating your own gifts are a great way to cut down your expenses. Whether it’s biscuits, jams, candles or decorations, you would be surprised at how much money you will save (plus your gifts will have that homemade feel!).
Everything in moderation – Xmas and excess go hand in hand, but adding some self-control to what you eat and drink will not only benefit your bank balance, but will help your waist line too!
Christmas clean-up – You can use the holiday break to your advantage by going through your household items you don’t need anymore. Whether you hold a garage sale, go to a local swap-meet or sell online, it’s a good time to make some space while earning some extra dollars.
Monitor your spend – Keeping track of what you spend is one of the best ways to avoid going over your budget. There are plenty of apps available that allow you to monitor your spend such as ASIC’s TrackMySpend and most banks have either their own app or allow you to categorise your spending habits.
Do you have any other saving tips? Join the conversation on our Facebook page.