Christmas 2013 Budgeting Ideas
Now is the time to put plans in place to avoid those post-Christmas bills.
The following is a list of some budgeting ideas for Christmas:
- Pay a little extra on your rent/utilities so you can get ahead before Christmas to free your money up for other expenses.
- Start budgeting for Christmas next year by sitting down and working out who you bought presents for and what you spent in total.
- Take advantage of the No Deposit Laybys
- Talk to family and friends before December about gift giving
- Buy one reasonably priced present rather than many smaller/cheaper gifts or consider the "Secret Santa" option.
- Start collecting tinned food, toiletries or cleaning products to give as hampers
- Go Green and look for recipes for cleaning products to give as gifts
- Give baked goods as gifts
- Give cards to friends instead of gifts
- Ask people that are coming over for celebrations to bring a plate of food to share perhaps instead of buying gifts
- Hold a re-gifting party with friends
- Get the kids to make wrapping paper and cards
- Think about having Christmas later like in January after the sales or
- Buy at the Boxing Day sales/half yearly sales for next year
Or you can make up gift cards that cost nothing for
- A free car wash
- Free child minding
- A free lawn mow
- A cup of tea
- Vacuuming
- Dish washing etc
If you find yourself in a financial bind, remember, you are not alone. Lifeline Financial Counsellors are available for appointments in eight centres throughout the Hunter.
The Financial Counsellors can help you with budgeting, advice on possible options and can advocate on your behalf with creditors.
Call 4940 2000 during business hours for an appointment.
