Pre Christmas Money Advice for Employees

Want to make the most of your money before Christmas?

In this ‘age of austerity' many of us are adopting new habits to make our money go further, especially at Christmas.

Whether you have a little or a lot, you can still make the occasion special. These tips and tools from the Money Advice Service can help you manage your money throughout the festive season.

Before ‘easy credit', people celebrated Christmas within their means and still had a good time. For example: gifts are likely to take up a sizeable chunk of your budget, especially if you have children, but they don't need to. Have you thought of these alternatives?

Home-made gifts - these are often cheaper and show a lot of thought and effort. Home-made jam or cookies nicely wrapped can look and taste great.

Personalised gifts - they may take more time to prepare but are unique and usually cheaper. Why not try a personalised calendar or framed photograph for example?

Family gifts - how about giving a gift for the family to share rather than for individuals. Board games, puzzles or a big box of chocolates or biscuits are often an inexpensive option and loved by everyone.

Pre-loved gifts - online auctions and the Oxfam website are good places to look for clothes, accessories, music and more.

For most of us Christmas is the most expensive time of year, and spending more than you mean to is all too easy. However, deciding how much you can afford to spend first and sticking to it will help you to start the New Year much happier:

Write a list - estimate the cost of each present and check that the total is within your budget. Stick to your list. Sounds simple, but it's easy to get carried away when Christmas lights are twinkling and gifts are displayed to entice you to buy.

Plan what to buy and when - some things are best paid for early to get the best deals, for example travel, and others best to leave until the last minute, such as stocking fillers.

Compare prices of different retailers as well as internet and shop prices - they often differ. Price comparison websites can be useful but try and use different sites to get a full range of prices.

 
Budget for delivery costs - if buying online remember to budget for delivery costs (especially in N. Ireland!), and try and consolidate your shopping to get the best delivery prices.

Do you need insurance? Check if your gifts are covered by your existing contents insurance policy. And think twice before buying any extended warranties - you may already be covered.


Add some Money Advice Service advice to your Christmas list and make the most of your money this festive season. Whatever your situation, you'll get clear, unbiased advice.

Click here and take 5 - 10 minutes to complete the health check today.

This online money planner gives you a personal action plan with clear next steps for the top three things to do right now, and how to plan for future goals.

A wonderful Christmas and no new-year money worries: now that's worth celebrating.

Article from Money Advice Centre