Five savings tips for Christmas
Posted on 15th December 23
It’s easy to get carried away in the run up to Christmas. According to the Bank of England, the average household spends almost £740 more in December than any other typical month.
We’ve put together our top tips to save you money this festive season and hopefully avoid the financial blues in January.
Saving tip 1: Start shopping early.
Christmas is a time for giving and receiving, but it can also be a time for stress, especially when it comes to finances. For the lead up to Christmas, we want to share with you some of our top Christmas saving tips! The earlier you start shopping, the more likely you are to find good deals. Many shops start their Christmas sales early. You can also save money by shopping online, where you can compare prices from different retailers.
Saving tip 2: Set realistic expectations.
Remember that Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, not just about gifts and decorations. Setting realistic expectations for yourself and others can help avoid being landed with a big bill in January.
Saving tip 3: Opt for thoughtful experiences.
It’s important to remember that Christmas is a time of joy, family, and giving. So instead of physical gifts, consider gifting experiences like a movie night, a homemade dinner, or a day trip. These can be more memorable and often cost less than traditional presents.
Saving tip 4: Travelling this Christmas?
Travelling during the Christmas season can be expensive, but with some strategic planning and savvy choices, you can save money.
- Be flexible with dates. Think about travelling on off-peak days. Flights on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day may be cheaper, and roads may be less busy.
- Use comparison sites. Use online tools and apps to compare flight, accommodation, and rental car prices.
- Plan your route. Planning your route can optimise fuel efficiency. Use apps that can help you find the shortest and most fuel-efficient way.
- Pack essentials. Make sure to pack everything you need to avoid any last-minute purchases along the way.
Saving tip 5: The big food shop.
We all know how easy it is to get carried away when Christmas food shopping. That’s why creating a meal plan and making a full shopping list with every item you need, no matter how small, is a smart idea.
Try going homemade too! That way you can control how much you spend on ingredients and avoid wasting money on pre-made food that you may not end up even using.
