# Expert’s 8 Steps to an Affordable Christmas – Start Now!
Planning for an affordable Christmas can be challenging but starting early can make a significant difference. Our expert’s 8 steps to an affordable Christmas, shared by Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert, provide simple, actionable tips to ensure your festive season is enjoyable without breaking the bank.
Liz Hunter’s strategies range from buying gifts economically to utilizing discount codes and vouchers. Even more, her advice offers practical steps you can implement right away.
Begin Saving Today
While it may feel late to start saving in the later months, it is still possible to spread out your expenses and reduce the financial strain by December. First, consider the total amount you’ll need for Christmas, including gifts, food, events, and other festivities.
Divide this total by three. Each month, save one-third of this budget in a savings account. Start with your next paycheck and repeat in October and November. This approach can significantly ease your financial burden in December.
Stock Up on Christmas Food Early
Food prices climb as the festive season approaches, especially on holiday-themed items. You can save money by starting to purchase non-perishables like chocolates, nuts, and alcohol now. Look for sales and reduced-to-clear sections to find bargains.
Also, consider freezing items such as meat and fish. This not only spreads out the expense but also avoids the hectic holiday shopping rush.
Join Cashback Programs
Earn some money back while shopping for Christmas by using cashback websites and apps. These services track your online purchases and give you a percentage back in cashback. For instance, 5% cashback on a £100 purchase returns £5 to you.
You can accumulate enough cashback to withdraw as cash, gift cards, or vouchers. Platforms like Topcashback and Quidco are popular in the UK and can boost your savings beyond the holiday.
Maximize Discount Codes
Stretch your budget by utilizing discount codes during your Christmas shopping. A simple online search usually reveals promo codes for various online retailers. Installing browser extensions like Honey or Pouch can automatically apply these codes at checkout.
If you prefer shopping via mobile, numerous apps offer similar functionalities, ensuring you always get the best deal.
Avoid the Black Friday Hype
Although many wait for Black Friday deals, research indicates these are not always the best prices available. According to Which?, only one in 50 Black Friday deals are at their lowest price.
If you find a good deal before Black Friday, grab it. On Black Friday, use a price comparison tool like PriceRunner to ensure the sale price is genuinely the best you’ll get.
Consider Pre-Loved Gifts
With the growing acceptability of second-hand items, consider gifting pre-loved items this Christmas. You can find unique and thoughtful gifts at local charity shops or online platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace.
From vintage jewelry to one-of-a-kind homeware, these gifts are not only economical but also environmentally friendly.
Manage Expectations with Loved Ones
If your budget cannot accommodate lavish gifts, it’s perfectly fine to scale back. Setting a spending limit can help everyone adjust their expectations. For larger groups, suggesting a Secret Santa can make gift-giving more affordable.
Communicate openly with friends and family about your budget to ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable Christmas.
Borrow Wisely if Needed
Borrowing should be your last resort for Christmas expenses. Try to cut costs or find extra income before taking on debt. If borrowing is unavoidable, consider interest-free options like a 0% credit card or buy-now-pay-later services, but use them responsibly.
Stay away from high-interest payday loans, which can lead to larger financial burdens later on.
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