Do you wonder how to afford Christmas on a budget?
Knowing how to afford Christmas whilst still having an amazing time is some thing we ALL want to know.
Does wondering about how to afford Christmas leave you feeling like this?
How to Afford Christmas on a Budget – blimey it’s expensive!
Christmas is one of those things that you are either very excited about, or are not thrilled about. I personally love a Hygge Christmas all that snuggling slow time and firelight! However, one thing that we can all agree on is that it can cost money. How much depends on you. The truth is, Christmas doesn’t need to cost you a fortune, but we can all get a little carried away with gifts, food, and all of the festivities that go along with it.
So how can we save money?
It is possible to have a fabulous Christmas without needing to spend lots of money. We all want to give our families the best we possibly can, but money doesn’t need to be the root of that. So if you were hoping to save some money this Christmas then here are some of the tips to help you do it.
How to afford Christmas by making your own gifts
Gifts are one of the things that people can end up spending a big chunk of their Christmas budget on. It is something that you of course want to do. Buying gifts for people, thinking about what they would like, is all part of the fun. But this year why not try something different?
You could consider making them instead.
Where to look for tips? We;ll, that is easy.
Pinterest and Instagram are full of inspiration for homemade gift ideas. From foodie things to using the skills that you have and putting them to good use. You may surprise yourself at exactly how much money you could save as well as how much someone would appreciate the thought and effort put into them.
pin How to Afford Christmas for later
Want to know how to afford Christmas? Hunt out bargains when they are available
If you don’t feel confident making the gifts then don’t despair, there are still plenty of ways that you can make savings on gift purchases. Many people use the sales throughout the year to make some savings by buying things when they are discounted. If you haven’t prepared as far in advance as that then Black Friday is coming up and normally there are some amazing bargains to be had
Black Friday can help you work out how to Afford Christmas
A look online will have you finding the Black Friday discounts available and you could end up saving a huge chunk of money in the process of figuring hout how to afford Christmas This works especially well for big-ticket items like technology.
“Even before Christmas has said Hello, it’s saying ‘Buy Buy.’” — Robert Paul
Set a budget – that’s how to afford Christmas
It is very important that you work out what your budget is ahead of the festive season.
This is easier if you are aware of what your wages might be, or any expected bonuses to help you out. If possible, try ad avoid using credit cards or overdrafts to pay for Christmas as this can add extra pressure when January hits. Instead, set out a budget per person for gifts, and also a budget for things like decorations and food. The more budgets you have, the more you can start to work with it, rather than against it.
It will help you to keep track of your spending and motivate you to seek out the bargains. and that is how to afford Christmas ( ooh and don’t forget to use up those leftovers!)
Secret Santa’s amongst friends and family – How to Afford Christmas
How to afford Christmas and still be a great gift giver secret Santa is the answer.
If things are a bit restricted this year with the finances, then a great option is to have secret Santas instead. This can work well amongst a group of friends or family members. It also takes the pressure off others who equally might be trying to have a more frugal Christmas.
All you need to do is speak among your friends and family and choose to do something like this instead. It can be a great saver if there are a lot of you to buy for. Or, if you don’t want to do a secret Santa, choose to just buy for children instead and say that you want the same gesture.
How to afford Christmas? Use cashback websites
Cashback websites are a great way to earn a little extra on the purchases that you are going to be making. Many large retailers offer a percentage of cashback or even a set amount for clicking through and making your purchases through those websites.
It is a great way to add to your funds. People use cashback websites all year and choose to save up the money to spend at times of the year like Christmas.
For people struggling with how to afford Christmas cash back sites are a great boost.
Use your loyalty card points
All year round you may have been swiping your loyalty card, but did you know that you have built up a hefty balance that can now be used to give you some amazing savings. Many people don’t realise how much they may have on these cards, and the money could be used to save on things like gift purchases or food.
You can use them in one go, or start using them now to bring the costs down on that shopping bill.
Either way, it is money you have earned, so why not use it at the most expensive time of the year it will certainly help you figure out how to afford Christmas .
Buy early to avoid expensive quick delivery charges
Another great tip is to consider making your purchases sooner rather than later. Grt ahead to get ahead is what I always say and it works when it comes to figuring out how to afford Christmas when money is tight
People who leave their Christmas shopping until the last minute end up having to pay expensive delivery charges so that they can get their parcels sooner. How to Afford Christmas means being prepared If you make the purchases earlier, then you can pick the cheaper options as there is no rush or pressure to have them sent quickly.
You might also want to spread your food shopping over a few weeks, rather than paying the delivery charges for an online shop.
Plan and prepare when it comes to the costs – that is how to afford Christmas
Finally, when it comes to the Christmas period, planning and preparing as much as you can help you to make those savings when needed. It is a time of socialising, but don’t overcommit yourself too much or you may find yourself spending a lot on ticket entry to things or at events. Instead, plan your schedule.
You might also want to start meal planning and buying in bulk some of the things you need, storing in the freezer, or making the savings on things like pop or alcohol. The more you plan, the more you can prepare and stick with those budgets you have set.
I hope these tips help you to in your quest how to afford Christmas.
Further reading on how to afford Christmas
Money saving Christmas ideas
We should make the Yuletide season an occasion not merely for the giving of material things but an occasion for the giving of that which counts infinitely more … the giving of self” — J. C. Penney
How to Afford Christmas – Over to you
If you have any great tips or ideas on how to afford Christmas then PLEASE drop me a comment below