Christmas 2010 Budgeting Ideas

Avoiding those post-Christmas bills.
The new year has begun, but for some people the new year will bring much heartache when those post-Christmas bills start coming in.
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.

The following is a list of some budgeting ideas for Christmas 2010:

• 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.
  
• From the total amount of what you spent last year work out how much you would need to save over 26 fortnightly payments for the next twelve months, this will give you a total of what you can save for Christmas next year.
  
• Start a Christmas club account with any money received this Christmas
  
• 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