Festive finances survival guide

13 Dec 2016

Let’s face it, the festive season is a fun time of year… but it can also be expensive. Hundreds of dollars are spent on holiday gifts, decorations, food and socialising, leaving many families tightening the purse strings well into the new year.

If you love to celebrate the holidays in style, but don’t fancy the financial pinch that follows soon afterward, there are a few things you could do to enjoy the festive season without breaking the bank.

1. Know your limit

Before hitting the shops this year, sit down and plan out your budget. Gifts, large or small, can really add up. Make a list and estimate how much each gift will cost, then reach for the calculator – this way you won’t be shocked by a hefty bill at the end of the season. 

2. Plan ahead

You’ve done your budget and you’re ready to tackle the crowds. Here are a few ways to save on shopping, whether online or in the stores:

• Keep an eye out for sales at your favourite shops.
• Lots of retail outlets promote a host of festive coupons this time of year – use them to your advantage.
• When making online purchases, make the most of free shipping offers where possible.
• Buy gifts throughout the year, not just during the peak holiday season. 

3. Trim your list

It might be time to consider cutting back your list this year – do you really need to exchange gifts with everyone in your family? Perhaps you could give certain people a group pressie, rather than individual gifts, or even suggest setting up secret Santa where each person just buys for one family member. Just because you had a long gift list last year doesn’t mean you need to repeat it annually. You may find that other members of your family love the idea.

4. Reduce your stress

The holiday season is stressful enough with a long list of events with family and friends, not to mention social commitments for work or other groups. Try to plan ahead as much as possible, it’s often the last-minute purchases that are quick to break the bank. Also try to maintain your daily routines to keep stress levels low. If you usually take a walk or go to the gym in the morning, take the time to continue the habit during the hectic holiday months. 

5. Enjoy the season

Ultimately, the holidays are all about enjoying friends and family. Focus on the time spent with loved ones to help you keep things in perspective. And if you’re usually the host of the holiday parties, now might be the time to suggest a rotation for who will host next year’s event. With plans like this in place, you’ll start the new year on the right financial foot.