Wow. Yes, I don’t think I’m the first to say the word, Christmas.
I know It just seems too early to be thinking of Christmas and how to afford it. But if you are not having a summer holiday this year, maybe this is the time to start planning Christmas.
Or if you start to buy now, you might save money in the long run, which would make it a Frugal Christmas.
My first thought is always; we don’t need to buy substantially expensive presents to show our love for each other at this time of the year.
A small token gift would be great if I could only stick to it. Every year I start to feel guilty and want to spend, spend, spend.
So every year, I set a budget that I can afford and begin to save up or start to buy gifts this month. So I miss the Christmas rush, except for the last minute shop. Which I usually do at Midnight.
Usually, this is the time of the year. I start to look around to book the Christmas Family Meal.
It’s where 26 people, no matter where they are in the world all congregate together as one big family to celebrate Christmas.
This year it will be different. But I’m still thinking and planning already. Is this now the new norm?
The other day a friend and I shared their signature recipe a chocolate-covered honeycomb broken into small pieces. And we decided that a small box of this would make lovely Christmas Presents.
Mainly because I happened to love them and they were pretty cheap to make.
So, first things first, you need to know your numbers as they say. Yes, your household budget. So you can calculate how much you can save each month. Or afford to spend on gifts. And still, pay your bills.
Just think there are 23 weeks until Christmas, so if you start to save £9.99 a week for the next 22 weeks, you would have £219.78 to spend. I have calculated 22 weeks, so you get a week to spend the money!
Once you’ve worked out your Christmas financial budget, you will know how much to put aside or how much you have to buy gifts.
When you’re shopping, think about picking up a couple of extra generic foods that can you can store until then. And some planned for gifts.
Sometimes we all need someone to talk about our finances and help us reach our goals.
If you want to work with your Financial Education and me, helping you have a better relationship with your money and reaching your financial goals.
Book a FREE 30-minute appointment with me to have a chat.
Where to go if you need advice: Step Change Citizens Advice Bureau, Money Advice Service, Christians Against Poverty, National Debt Line, Shelter, Turn2us,
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Disclaimer, Patricia Buckland, 459 Micklefield Road, High Wycombe, BUCKS HP13 7HZ
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