BANISH THE XMAS BUDGET HANGOVER.

Holy heck it’s almost Christmas which means ‘presents and pudding’ but also means the bank account takes a bashing. That’s right, this is a super expensive time of year and if you don’t want to be ailing with a ‘credit card hangover’ there’s a few things you might consider doing and some of them you can action RIGHT NOW.

This can be a time of year when many of us spend way more than we actually have, which means come January we are wracked with credit guilt and struggling to find cash to pay the school fees and household bills…sound familiar? Now short of pissing off all your relatives (I’m totes good at that) so your Christmas present list is non existent you might need to do a little planning.

You also might need to find a way to raise some extra cash so you aren’t reaching for a credit card. So how do you do that?

+Sell some crap on Ebay, not ‘actual’ crap, but offload some stuff you no longer need.

+Call in all debts. Resend invoices and  have the kids pay up overdue board.

+A work bonus isn’t always on the cards but if it is don’t fritter it away, put that stash of cash to use.

Have you factored in extra festive fun like parties, taxis, rounds of drinks, secret Santa gifts…and new frocks? Some things we can’t change but if the budget is strained, shop your own wardrobe or a friends, if necessary spend a few dollars on some festive accessories to give an outfit a new lease on life.

Start adding a few extra festive foody bits and pieces to your weekly shop and come Christmas it will take the sting out of the massive grocery shop bill.

If you can’t afford gifts make them. I know arts and crafts aren’t everyone’s bag but whipping up some Rocky Road or festive cookies is an afternoons work and everyone loves a gift made with love.

If you get into a cold sweat at the cost of postage (especially when added to cost of your gift) then pen a letter and send ‘snail mail’. Letter writing is a lost art, you know you’ll bring a smile to the recipients face if you pen a letter and fill them in on what’s been happening over the year. Add a few happy snaps for extra brownie points.

All those ‘holiday outings’ can really add up so factor in some thrifty fun. Have a family movie night…at home. On another night pull out the board games and allow your badass competitive nature to fly, just let the under 5’s win occasionally. Go camping…in the back yard. This is one we liked to do when our boys were young. Add some sparklers, hot chocolates and story telling for fun. Remember it’s not about bigger or better it’s about connecting, this is what creates traditions and memories.

Actually that’s what you should keep in mind throughout the festive season, spend less dollars and spend more time with the ones who matter.

Do you have some budget saving tips?
What about traditions…do you have some favourite ones?

Til next time,

Jen x