BUDGETING IDEAS THIS FESTIVE SEASON
The festive season and long weekend holiday is here again. Stressed out with presents to buy for colleagues, friends and family this Christmas? With some budgeting know-how, you can avoid overspending or falling into the clutches of debt.
Here is a list of some ways to save this holiday season.
Christmas Cards: Sending out Christmas cards can be time consuming and expensive. Instead of purchasing cards you can make them at home. Many families that have children already have the supplies that are needed, such as construction paper, markers and crayons. A handmade Christmas card is more personal and sends holiday cheer just the same if not better than a store bought card. Another alternative is to send e-cards which is more convenient and time-saving. There are several web sites that offer them for free plus you can schedule a date for delivery.
Shopping For Sales: During this season, department stores run promotions and sales. So it isn’t too hard to find a deal. The key to saving money is to make a list prior to your shopping day and make a commitment to only buy the things that are on your list. It can be very tempting to buy the little extras but these items are what add to the final purchase price. Also, stick to gifts within your budget. This is where decision-making comes in. Compare items within and amongst shops for value-for-money items. It’s crucial to have self-control and avoid unnecessary expenditure.
Family Meals: During the holiday season the cost of everything spirals upwards. Instead of ordering a $57 turkey, why not cook roast chicken, baked potatoes and make salad on the side at home. The money saved can be spent on a special log-cake for dessert or shepherd’s pie on delivery. You spend less than the commercial price of a stuffed turkey or alternatively, with the same amount spent, you get to have a variety of food on the table.
Gift Giving: Because Christmas can be so commercial, a great alternative to shopping for a gift would be to improvise or make your own. If you’d like to give a hamper, a suggestion is to buy a box of chocolate or two, biscuits, a tin of hot chocolate or a box of tea. You can use a presentable basket that you may have at home, unused. Then wrap it up with cellophane paper. Voila! A personalised gift for less. Alternatively a nice personal gift can be a home-made fruit cake, sponge cake, mini fruit muffins or even cookies. Making home-made chocolate pieces is a good gift too. All you need is to buy cake wrappers and a cute box to place your chocolates. Alternatively, you can give home-made jam and pickles and store them in handsome bottles. If you can paint, why not give painted bottles or stones as decorative pieces? If you knit or do cross-stitch work, it will be a good idea to give your family and friends a shawl or sweater or a decorative cross-stitch work. How about those who are passionate in jewellery-making? Making rings, bracelets or necklaces will be good gift ideas that will be cherished forever.
Although things are getting expensive, adjustments can be made to save money. This also comes hand in hand with creativity. You can have a wonderful time of the year with our family members and friends despite being on a budget.
