Finance / Tis The Season To...Spend Lots Of Money?
'Tis the season to...
spend lots of money? Expenses can quickly add up during the festive season, and before you know it, January hits you with a big hole in your wallet.
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esearch shows that an average Aussie spends approximately $1,400 every year on Christmas, estimating a very merry $25 Billion dollars as a nation. Most commonly the expenses add up when travelling to see family, shopping for gifts, organising decorations and plating food. So, to help you in easing the financial stresses of the festive season, here’s a small guide on how to effectively navigate the cost of Christmas! Come January, these small things will really add up to make a big difference!
Set A Spending Limit
Best policy is to have an open dialogue with your friends and family about setting up a spending limit that everyone is comfortable with. This helps everyone
feel more included and relieves the pressure of gifting more than anyone can afford. If you are not in a position to discuss spending with others, set one amongst yourself and your close family, agreeing on a spending limit for gifting to others.
Sales & Online Discounts
This time of year, the internet, the malls and the shops are overflowing with sales and discount codes. Going above and beyond to do that little bit of extra shopping around and price comparing can get you a sweet bargain on some premium gifting options. Tip: Online shopping is an avenue which
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will ensure you can avoid the frenzy of malls and shopping centres and will deliver your gifts straight to your door!
Plan Your Shopping
This is for all of us who keep dashing to the mall to pick up small things here and there! This really adds up the cost gradually and you start losing track of the dollars you’ve spent, not to mention the time you’ve spent. Write yourself a simple list of your purchase items and when you need them by, this gives you a clear idea of how to club your visits and things automatically start to become easier.
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