How to avoid a festive season budget blow out

Having to stretch your dollar further these days? Thankfully, watching your budget doesn’t mean you have to say see ya later to fun times. Looking for some inspiration to make the most out of your festive season? Here are some tips to keep your finances in good shape, and the fun times rolling.

Master your money. 

With Christmas parties, gift-giving, holidays and other fun – ahem – expensive things on the agenda, your savings might take a hit during the festive season. The good news is that sticking to a festive season budget doesn’t have to be a drag. 

Try these methods to rein in your spending this festive season: 
 

• Write lists for everything you plan to buy. From food to gifts and other holiday extras like alcohol, petrol and new outfits. If you compile (and stick to!) a list, you’re more likely to avoid cheeky impulse purchases.
• Make budgeting for holidays a breeze by using handy apps like ME Go to track bills and set spending limits so you don’t go overboard ordering lobster, wagyu and oysters during your Christmas get-togethers.   
• Avoid getting stuck in a credit card debt spiral by pre-paying for as much as possible in the months ahead. Preordering things like Christmas food, hampers and gifts means you’ll spread the cost out over months instead of going into a last-minute spending frenzy in the days before Christmas.
• Savvy shoppers know to scout out all the best deals before hitting the shops. Instead of shopping without a plan, keep a close eye on sales and promotions to bag a bargain.

Dabble in DIY decorations.

Forget splashing your cash on buying expensive ornaments and designer decorations that you’ll use for just a few days a year. With a little ingenuity, you can add some festive flair to your home without stumping up much cash at all.

Here are some fun ways to spruce up your home without draining your bank account:
 

• Craft your own wreath by collecting and shaping pretty branches, twigs, leaves and native flowers around an old wire coat-hanger bent into a circle.
• Use colourful craft paper to create bunting to hang in your home. All you need are some scissors, paper, a pencil, ruler and some string.
• Not feeling crafty? Op shops are a top place to source affordable, pre-loved decorations for a fraction of the retail price. 
• Make your own rustic table centrepiece using flowers picked from your garden. 

Get into thrifty gifting.

Think you have to spend up big to show the people that you care? Think again, because nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a thoughtful, handmade gift that’s been crafted with care. The best part is that you don’t necessarily need to be a gifted knitter or super crafty person to make memorable gifts.  

Here’s some easy DIY Christmas gifts ideas to try your hand at:
 

• Fire up the oven to make your own blend of toasted muesli or granola. Buying oats, nuts, honey and coconut flakes in bulk amounts is cost-effective.
• Make jars of jam, kimchi, or pickled veg. Extra points for using produce you’ve grown yourself!
• Have a green thumb? Propagate succulents throughout the year to gift to friends and family in December. 
• Bake shortbread, biscuits, rum balls, fruitcake or other crowd-pleasing festive treats. 
• Forget buying wrapping paper, ribbon, tags and bags. Instead, take advantage of free gift-wrapping services offered in stores and malls.  

Switch up your celebrations.

Some people love to mark the festive season in the same way every year. But don’t be afraid to break the mould and create new traditions. If you usually go to a pricey restaurant with your family, suggest a barbecue at your local park or picnic at the beach instead. Do you always have people over to your home on Christmas Day? Suggest everyone bring a dish and some drinks so you don’t have to fork out for everything.

Whether you’re catering for a crowd or having a few close friends over for a long lunch, these smart food swaps can save you big bucks: 
 

• Pick up a case of inexpensive cleanskin wine to serve while entertaining instead of buying labelled wine.  
• Make your own marinades and salad dressings (using ingredients like lemon juice, garlic and olive oil) rather than buying over-priced bottled dressings. 
• Whip up your own hummus or guacamole as a cheaper, fresher substitute for pre-prepared versions. 
• Make a bowl of punch as an alternative to buying premixed alcoholic drinks.
• Serve a fresh fruit platter containing more affordable, in-season produce (like mangoes, melon and berries) instead of buying a costly cake, pudding or trifle for dessert. 

Remember the best things in life are free.

Janet Jackson said it in the 90s and it’s still true today. If you find yourself stressing over what gift to get your favourite barista, or constantly stopping at the supermarket for one more thing this summer – remember it really doesn’t matter.

This time of year is about spending time with your nearest and dearest., and we know they wouldn’t want you going into debt at their expense. 
 

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