CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ON A BUDGET

Christmas doesn’t have to be an expensive time of year. By setting yourself an affordable budget and sticking to it you’ll be able to start the New Year without mountains of unplanned debt.

Use our tips to help you make the most of your money.

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 the displays entice you to buy everything.

COMPARE PRICES

Different retailers, as well as internet and shop prices, often differ. Price comparison websites can be useful but use more than one source to get a full range of price information.

CUT BACK

See if you can find one or two areas where you can make savings, eg packed lunches for you or your children, or cancelling a gym or magazine membership which you’re not using.

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.

BUDGET FOR DELIVERY COSTS

If you’re buying online remember to budget for delivery costs and try and consolidate your shopping to get the best delivery prices.

SEARCH FOR DISCOUNTS

You can find vouchers in magazines and voucher codes online. If there is space to enter a discount code, always search for one.

DON’T BE TEMPTED

Two-for-one, three-for-two, mixand-match or other enticing offers are there to tempt you. Check the original prices to make sure that they really are value for money. And only buy them if you really need them.

If you are getting benefits, did you know you may be entitled to a Christmas bonus? And if you don’t currently get benefits, find out if you should be. See the direct.gov website for more information.

If you are planning to borrow to help pay for Christmas then make sure to research your options. You can find information for credit cards and loans from comparison websites.