Festive Finances: Stay cash savvy this Christmas

We’ve all been there. It’s Christmas Eve, you’re grabbing any child’s toy left on the shelves, desperately hoping your granddaughter does still like Bratz and hasn’t moved onto the sold-out Lottie Doll, and asking yourself why you weren’t just a little more organised…

This year avoid the last-minute panic (and parking dramas) with a little bit of prior planning and staying cash savvy at the same time…

Comparing and shopping around

Time is money, and that’s never truer than at Christmas! It can seem like you don’t have even a spare hour up your sleeve come December, making it tempting to just “grab and go” when it comes to gifts. Instead of getting caught in the last minute rush and paying for it start planning your gift expenditure early, working with a list and a budget in mind. For large ticket items, investigate any pre-Christmas sale times, spend ‘n’ save promotions or one-day specials. Know the price of items you want to buy, and make your purchase when you you’re satisfied that you’re getting a bargain.

Doing some or all of your shopping online can also help you save money and time (not to mention your sanity), but remember to factor shipping costs and time, allowing longer than usual due to the time of year, into your calculations.

Family gifts

If there are several children in a family, think about a joint present, like a board or video game, books, DVDs or sports or beach equipment. This will cut down on both your expenditure and the amount of time spent shopping. Vouchers for activities are another great idea, and things like minigolf or even trampolining are fun for all ages. Instead of buying presents for each of your friends, suggest a nice dinner instead, with each person paying for themselves – but you’ll want to plan this one well in advance to account for crazy Christmas schedules!

Saving up for gifts 

Rewards programs like FlyBuys or frequent flyer schemes can come in very handy at this time of year. Check your points balance and see if you can trade some of those points in for shopping vouchers, either for you to use or to give as gifts. Stores you frequently shop at will also often reward customers with Christmas specials or vouchers – take advantage of these when planning your shopping.

Consider homemade and DIY gifts

Buying isn’t always better. Homemade gifts communicate effort and care, and won’t blow the budget. Invest your time and creativity, rather than your dollars, in thoughtful, homemade gifts. Suggestions include:

1. Friends or family with kids? Give them a babysitting voucher – all it costs is your time.

2. Get creative and crafty – there’s so much can be handmade or personalised, earning you points for the effort as well as the gift. Candles, biscuits and other treats are super easy to make, and for a fraction of the store-bought cost, or whip out the knitting needles or sewing machine.

3. Bake and box. Homemade always beats store-bought, and Christmas is prime time for people to pop in unexpectedly, meaning your gift is delicious and handy!

4. Gift some “quality cupboard staples” by buying a bulk amount of excellent quality olive oil, and rebottling and infusing it, or by making your own vanilla essence (super easy, but this one needs several weeks to infuse before use).

Christmas should be a time of cheer – not stressful shopping and devastating debt. Enjoy a fun festive season and make sure Rudolph’s nose is the only thing going red – not your bank balance!

What ways do you stay finance savvy at Christmas time? Do you have any tricks or tips to pass on to the Starts at Sixty community?