Countdown To Christmas: Last Minute Savings
I suspect this year, more than others, people are feeling the pinch of Christmas. The events of Europe, the general slump in retail; while none of this actually signals major issues for our economy, it’s hard not to feel like money is scarcer this year. Which makes Christmas an extra stretch this year. So, in the week before the big day, what small savings can we make?
No Credit
This last week is when panic can start to set in and the last-minute gifts start dancing before your eyes. It’s easy to reach for the credit card in that scenario, thinking it’s going to make your life one hundred times easier. It may in the short term, but it will set you behind for the new year. Try and stick to cash for as long as possible. Getting caught up in buying expensive presents will expand your budget beyond cash, and leave you relying on presents. Buy your loved ones nice, but small, things and try and buy only with cash.
Shopping List
I love Christmas. I love buying people presents they’re going to really love, I adore buying tasty treats for the Christmas season. Worse, a fantastic deli and liquor store basically provides every wonderful thing I could dream of, right here in my hometown. At times like that, all I can rely upon is my shopping list. If it calls for two bottles of wine, then that has to be what I buy. I smooth out the process by investing in a couple of choice items, like a really nice cheese or a tasty bottle of plonk, and saving money in other areas.
Freeze It
Keeping a sharp eye can save you a lot of money come Christmas-time. Even one week out, there will be specials that you can take advantage of and store or freeze at home until Sunday. It’s also a good idea to do a quick check of when your favourite shops are closing, because it would be a terrible thing to be without bread or milk over the festive season.
Get Unconventional
Even at this late stage, it’s possible to make changes to your Christmas plans without costing an arm and a leg. This year, my family is heading to a big celebration at night so throughout the day, we’re going to keep it pretty chilled. A late breakfast at home and hopefully some time reading a couple of new books. Why not jump in the car and have sandwiches at the beach? It means no one has to do any big cooking efforts and you can just enjoy spending time together.
No Treats
With the slog of shopping, it’s easy to look around and pick up a couple of things for yourself while you’re there. After all, it can be exhausting and a couple of treats feel so well-deserved. That might be the case, but this year, save them for after Christmas. By that time, you’ll have a stack of presents and will probably feel less inclined to spend money on other items.
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