Save now for Christmas it’s not too late

Every year, many of us plan to start saving for Christmas in January yet come the end of the month when the last payday seems like an age ago, the thought goes out of the window.

Come this time of year, we all wish we’d kept the saving regime up.

Now you can sit back and cry about your lack of will power and lament at what could have been but what good would that be?

Here are some tips about what your can do now.

Plan plan plan

Calculate your budget. How much money do you actually have? How much can you realistically save between now and December? Most people will have three or four pay packets before Christmas. Remember, the total money you need. Not just for presents but for entertainment, impromptu evenings out and the extra food. It will make things a lot easier if you know exactly what you are dealing with.

Christmas giving evaluation

Take a look at who you buy for. Chances are, many of your friends and family will be having a tough time too. Maybe you haven’t seen some friends all year. I sometimes struggle with buying for children who I never see-what on earth are they in to? Stop. Create a ‘birthdays only’ rule with the children of friends.

If you have a large family, have an ‘only buy for children rule. Even then, consider only buying for family and, If your friends seems really upset at the thought of not exchanging gifts, why not get a few of you together-maybe after the January payday and, either spend the money on a meal and an evening out or do a secret Santa where you all spend a minimal amount-say £5 each on something small.

Save with an IOU voucher.

Does your husband want a games console? Do you have your heart set on a coffee machine? Well why not make an IOU voucher for your loved one and buy it, much cheaper at the January sales? Not only could you get more for your money but you could even try and get something else with what you have saved-bonus. If you are really struggling though, why not have a £5 or £10 limit on what you buy for your partner and let them do the same. I really believe it is nicer to see the joy on your children’s faces than seeing Hubster force a grin for more socks and pyjamas.

Start buying non-perishables now.

Look after the pennies.

Over the last two weeks, I have started transferring the loose change in my current account over to a savings account. For example, if my balance was £10.36, I transferred 36p over. In two weeks, I saved £8. I know it’s not mega books but with 12 weeks to go, there us the potential to save around £50 which I don’t think sounds bad at all.

While I am full of hope that 2015 will see me save every month from January, with a new baby on the way, I am under no illusion that statutory maternity pay will not lend itself to save much. At least with some of these ideas, it doesn’t matter.

Only 12 weeks to go yay.

*Please note I didn’t hide the Pringles well enough-from Hubster or myself. He saw me take the photo and we ate some last night oops!

Verily Victoria Vocalises