6 ways to save money this Christmas
15 Dec 2015
Christmas is a delightful time where we celebrate with family, friends and loved ones. However, Christmas can also be tough on the purse strings. To ensure that you are not met with an accumulation of debt after the holidays, here are some practical tips on how to save during the festive season.
1. Make a list, check it twice
Write down all your Christmas expenses and work out a feasible budget. Be sure to include everything from gifts and food to even the cost of postage stamps. Most importantly, stick to your list.
“There’s a difference in what you plan on spending compared to what you actually spend,” advises Scott Parry, debt and money management specialist and CEO of Crown Money Management. “The average Australian plans on spending an average of $475 but actually spends [an average of] $993. One of the toughest things about Christmas is that everyone gets a little bit excited.”
2. Paper not plastic
A good way to make sure that you don’t exceed your budget is to steer clear of credit cards. “Pay cash. That way you can never spend what you don’t have and stick to it.” says Parry. While baby boomers are more credit conscious than everyone else, this does not exempt you from the 16 per cent credit card interest, advises Parry.
3. A group that feasts together, stays together
Food plays a pivotal role at Christmas and yes, it can get expensive. According to Parry, the average amount we spend on food throughout the two big days alone (Christmas and Boxing Day) is $554.
Instead, consider organising a potluck-style lunch or dinner. A barbecue is a great option. Money expert and CEO of digital consumer finance firm Clayton Howes explains, “The beauty of the great Aussie barbecue is that people can bring their own food and drink, or chip in. The bigger the gathering, the more savings you make buying snags in bulk.”
4. Quality, not quantity
The older we get, the more we value quality over quantity which is why a Secret Santa or Kris Kringle is another great way to save money.
Put everyone’s name in a bowl and have them randomly choose the name of the person they are required to offer a gift for Christmas.
“One well-chosen gift is better than a tonne of wrong stuff anyway,” explains Howes. “There’ll be a lot less stress and wasted cash.”
5. The best things in life are free
During summer, there is often a plethora of free entertainment and activities available. Alternatively, take your grandchildren out fishing as a gift idea or organise a family hike. Instead of investing money on new gadgets, invest in some quality time with loved ones.
6. The gift of giving
It may be Christmas, but it doesn’t necessarily mean having to spend lots of money. Without the obligations of work, why not give the gift of giving and volunteer?
“The Smith Family, Exodus Foundation, Mission Australia and others are often looking for support around this time of year. It costs nothing to volunteer but it’s worth a great deal to other people.” says Howes.
Get together a group of people and make a day of it. Your efforts will be appreciated and you will have made someone else’s Christmas, a happy one.
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