Parent or not, the likelihood is you are going to spending a considerable part of your pay cheque this month on other people. Whether you're all for Christmas, or you're sat in your 'ba humbug' hat, cancelling Christmas is not an option. However, you don't have to max out the credit cards and start the new year in debt. Follow our 10 simple steps and start 2015 without a spending hangover.
1. Make a list. Check it twice
It's not just Father Christmas who makes a list every year. You should be doing the same. Not quite listing which of your friends and family have been 'good' or 'bad', but list exactly want you want to get them and stick to it. It's the impulse buys that can kill a bank balance and something you should stay clear of when buying at Christmas.
2. No present pact
It happens every year. You and a friend exchange presents, both items of similar value, the presents aren't essential and rarely make it out of the box. You're £25 down and you have even less room left in the loft than before. However boring it sounds, but maybe it's time to make a 'no present pack' with friends and focus your time and money on the kids... or your savings.
3. Ebay it
Plain and simple. Ebay it. With people from across the world selling their goods, some new, some used, you can find some great deals and save money finding the perfect Christmas presents. Don't just buy, but sell too. Get extra cash by selling what you don't need, want or no longer fit into and make sure you don't find yourself with minus figures going into the new year.
4. Don't overbuy food
We know, it's tempting. There's deals on everything including chocolate, nibbles, soft drinks, alcohol and festive favorites, but just because you buy it, doesn't mean it will be eaten. If you're like many families, who buy the Christmas pudding and find yourselves throwing it away just days later, then resist the urge - you'll save money (and piling on the pounds from all that food you don't really need!)
5. Kids aren't snobs
Unlike some of us adults, children aren't snobs. They don't care if their new t-shirt has a well known logo on it, they don't need the latest iPhone or Beats headphones. As long as it works, looks good and fulfils their needs, there is no need to break the bank. Shop around, look online and see if you can find a cheaper alternative to the top brands.
6. Vouchers are king
Vouchers really are king and can be a real money saver around the festive period. If you have 'clubcard points', make sure you are getting the best out of them. Don't spend them on food, use them to buy gifts or vouchers for your friends and family. Find out more about how to make the most of your Tesco Clubcard points:
Tesco Clubcard (other Supermarkets and loyalty cards are also available!)
7. Set a budget & stick to it
Often plans and budgets go out of the window, but they don't have to. If you set a strict spending limit for everyone you want to get gifts for, you can plan ahead and make sure you don't have to dip into savings or your overdraft. If you want to make it even harder to go over your budget, put your funds on one card and only use that card when doing your Christmas shopping.
8. Make your own... everything
If you are lucky enough to be creative or have a skill, there is no reason you can't hand make some of your presents this year. They'll be cheaper and mean more to whoever receives the presents. Some gifts you could make include Cookies, Personalised phone cases, jam, sweets, candles and canvas art.
9. Buy presents after Christmas
If your kids are grown up and the 'magic' of Christmas has started to fade, buying presents after Christmas is a great option. With the best deals starting on the 26th of December, you and your children could go out with a budget and find the perfect (and cheap) gifts.
10. Shop around.
You need to shop around. Look online, look in the stores and sign up to newsletters and apps that promise you to save money. There's hundreds of sites and shops that sell the same thing, but some cheaper than others. Look around and look again. Then you'll be sure to have the best deal.
Thank you for reading and everyone at Freedom to Insure wishes you a very Merry Christmas.