Christmas Money Saving Tips

How to ensure you don’t wake up with a Christmas hangover in January.

Christmas can be a very expensive time of year. Here are some great Christmas money saving tips from moneysavingexpert.com

1) Work out what you can afford and make that the perfect Christmas

Before you start planning, consider this: many list every lusted-for item, gifts for all and a corking meal, then only afterwards consider: “How will I pay for it?” That’s a recipe to be broke! Instead, calculate your budget and ask: “What can I afford to spend on Christmas?” Christmas is one day – don’t ruin the whole of the next year for it.

2)  Agree with friends to ban unnecessary Christmas presents

Consider not giving at Christmas. We’re not talking about gifts from parents or grandparents, but the ever-widening glut of friends, extended family and colleagues.

Christmas isn’t a retail festival – we need to end obliged giving and think more about what we’re giving, to whom and why.

If you’re yelling over your wrapping paper “what about the joy of giving?” remember gift-giving creates and obligation on recipients to give back, whether they can afford it or not. For some, the gift of “not obliging you to buy for me” is actually better.

For friends and family that still appear on your Christmas gift list, agree a budget. Create a cap on gifts, £5, £10, whatever you can afford. Force each other to be creative!

3) Use the internet to find the best prices

Amazon is the original e-giant, and like any megastore the challenge is to see behind the shelves to grab mega-discounts. Moneysavingexpert has developed and Amazon Discount Finder which manipulates Amazon web links to create customised bargain-basement pages at www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/cheap-amazon-loopholes

You can also visit www.megashopbot.com to find the cheapest place to find gifts in seconds.

4) Need fast Christmas cash? Flog it!

If a few quid more in the Christmas fund would really help, act now. Flogging anything by eBay is a good way to start but facebook market place and gumtree are other great places.

Lastly if you already feel that your finances are out of control, don’t panic and don’t ignore it. Get the help you need now! Here at Milton Keynes Christian Centre we have individuals who have been trained by the charity Christians Against Poverty to help you create a sustainable budget and signpost you to get the help and assistance you need to break free from being held hostage to debt.