Don’t Overspend – Overspending at Christmas can have a major impact on your finances for several months afterwards, as you try to catch up. It’s never a good idea to spend more than you can afford, and this goes for Christmas too. Gifts don’t always have to be very expensive, and you should keep track of exactly what you’ve spent.
Shop Wisely – There are plenty of seasonal offers and vouchers that you can easily find on the internet and in magazines that will help you get discounts on anything from food to petrol. Use these to your advantage so that you can save money. The January sales might be famous for bargains, but there are many opportunities to shop for discounted items in the days running up to the big day. If you can wait, wrapping paper often halves in price a couple of days before Christmas. It’s also a great idea to compare product prices on the internet, so you can find the cheapest option.
Use Your Credit Card – Christmas is the time of year that you’re likely to make several large purchases on the internet. Unfortunately, things don’t always go to plan, and companies going out of business at this time of year are not unheard of. If you buy something on your card with a value of over £100, you’ll find that you are better protected in the event that you don’t receive the item.
Consider Finance Options – You may choose to buy that special someone an expensive gift this Christmas, and if you do, it’s important to think about all the different ways you could pay for it if you aren’t going to do so outright. There are credit cards, personal loans, secured homeowner loans and more. Do your research in order to work out which option is the best for you.
Prepare For Next Christmas – It’s too late to start saving for this Christmas, but you should start thinking about the next one well in advance. The January sales are the perfect time to buy things like wrapping paper and cards. The earlier you save, the more you’ll have to spend, and the less you’ll have to worry when the time comes.