Survival Money
As we all know only too well, it’s so easy to get carried away when the Christmas shops are twinkling and enticing and the kids are expectant. To help keep you just on the right side of sensible, Jane Symonds, Head of Service Delivery at the Money Advice Service, gives you some cracking top tips to help you have a money-smart Christmas.
Christmas Crackers 1
Take tips from
Christmas Past If money is tight, don’t despair. Before credit cards people still had fun, and you can still have a great time without spending a fortune.
Get the most from your budget Make sure you think of everything you plan to buy. Now, go back through your list – do you really need it or are there cheaper alternatives? Be honest. Try discount shops for wrapping paper or swap to own- brand goods to squeeze the most out of your budget.
Get creative
Gifts can dominate your budget, especially if you have children. Homemade, pre-loved or vintage gifts are often cheaper and more personal. Fix your budget and set yourself a challenge to see how far you can stretch it.
Plan your food and drink The old saying ‘waste not want not’ is just as relevant today as in the past. With some clever planning you can make the most of your money and stretch your budget further.
2 Good advice for
Christmas Present Christmas needn’t be expensive. By fixing your budget and sticking to it you can start the New Year without mountains of unplanned debt.
Fix your budget
Estimate the cost of each item – from food to gifts, travel and social occasions. And stick to your list. Pay- ing by cash only when possible can often help you stick within your budget.
DID YOU KNOW?
1 Catching the 2nd class postage
deadline (18 Dec this year) will save you a pound for every ten cards you post.
2 If you are shopping online, save postage & packing costs by consolidating purchases.
WWW.MUMSSURVIVALGUIDES.CO.UK 41
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