I know that a week into January Christmas is the last word you want to hear but if you plan ahead then you won’t be worrying about next Christmas when the time comes so I have some great tips for you. With these tips hopefully you won’t have to think too much about next Christmas just yet but enough to mean you have enough money and are not getting in debt when the day comes!
Christmas is always viewed as a time when lots of money is spent, which leads into the ‘long’ January before the next pay cheque. People struggle, yet people really don’t need to struggle because they don’t need to get themselves into that situation in the first place. Here are seven money-saving tips to help you next Christmas.
Hustle Up
Put your side hustle to good use. Whether that be selling some of your makes or bakes to earn extra money, or simply creating something handmade as Christmas presents. Knitting, sewing and other such crafts often take time so plan it throughout your year. If you’re a keen baker, how about simply making friends their Christmas cake as a gift?
Have A Clear Out
Sell stuff you don’t need. It’s easier to say that put into practice as some objects hold the sentiment. I’m not saying to sell the historical family china, but stuff you haven’t worn or used for a year, get rid of it. Good quality clothes, especially baby clothes, sell really well on eBay and you can always use Facebook marketplace which is fee-free. When you’ve sold it all I’m confident you’ll prefer the handful of cash rather than overflowing drawers.
Grab Some Cashback
Paying on a credit card? Consider a cashback credit card. This instantly makes your shopping cheaper and saves you cash. Be sure you can pay off your card in FULL every month.
Lists & Awkward Conversations
Don’t gift for the sake of gifting. Make a list of people you want to buy for and stick to it. If so-and-so from down the road or in the school playground buys you a gift, don’t feel that you need to reciprocate. It can be awkward but it’s extra cash you don’t need to spend and didn’t want to spend. Sometimes a conversation with friends can be tricky to start, but they are usually pretty understanding.
Why not agree to not buy for each other and just for the kids this year, or simply say let’s spend the day together at the park as our Christmas gift to one another? Family secret Santa is a great way to give a present that really means something to an individual, without having to worry about buying for the rest of the clan.
Book Your Travel
Are you travelling by rail over the festive period? Train ticket prices are rocketing all the time so be sure to book your travel well in advance to get the best price fares. 8 – 12 weeks in advance should work and don’t forget to check rail card options and if booking two singles or splitting your journey makes things cheaper.
Buy and sell Christmas trees
After Christmas when everyone is getting rid of their old Christmas trees watch out for vintage ones. It is really easy then to buy them cheap or even get them for free. Reselling vintage Christmas items for a profit on eBay or Amazon is really easy. It will really add up and make you a good bit towards next Christmas with very little effort!
Don’t Wait Until The John Lewis Ad Airs
Start shopping now. If you see something in various sales, or simply marked down that is perfect for someone at Christmas time, get it and put it away. You’ll avoid panic buying when the festive adverts start trying to dictate to us that we have to hit the shops too. Imagine having all your shopping nailed and organised before the first Sunday of advent. You’ll actually be able to sit back and enjoy the season.
Bonus tip – don’t forget, Christmas is just one day. It’s about the people you have around you and the memories you make. It’s not about material gifts and putting yourself into a financial struggle. The people you are buying gifts for wouldn’t want you to be in financial hardship for the sake of giving them a toiletries gift set.
So there you have it. Hopefully, those tips will get you prepared for next Christmas and save you a bit of cash. Keep your costs down, be organised and you’ll have a very Merry Christmas!
