Christmas should be a fun, relaxing time of the year. But often, it can leave people feeling anxious as they wonder how they’ll be able to afford everything they need to get ready. By preparing beforehand, though, you can make this time of year smoother. Below, we explore six ways to start saving for Christmas 2022.
Make a list of who you’re buying for and what you need to save
To start with, you should set up a budget for your Christmas shopping. Once you know how much money you can afford to spend, you can make a list of who you’re buying for and what gift you’d like to get them. By planning this months before Christmas, you can avoid overspending by panicking at the last minute.
Open a Christmas savings account
Setting aside money for Christmas can help you save too. By putting this money into an online savings account, you’ll be able to grow the money you’re using for Christmas without touching it. This will work best if you have enough money elsewhere to afford your monthly obligations. By keeping the two separate, you should be able to save efficiently for Christmas.
Plan Christmas shopping ahead
You should also plan your Christmas shopping with plenty of time to spare. This includes gifts, food, decorations and any other items you’ll need for the holiday season. By planning this early, you’ll be able fit Christmas spending neatly into your budget without breaking it.
Discounts, sales and deals
Christmas spending can hurt your wallet. But by searching for discounts, sales and deals you can limit the damage. Keep an eye out for promotions on your favourite websites or target spending on discount days such as Black Friday or Green Monday. By spending strategically, you can save yourself a significant amount of money.
Start a side hustle
Sometimes, you might need a little extra money to tide you over for Christmas spending. One of the best ways to do this is by starting a side hustle. Just think of any talents you have – be it writing, designing, or art and crafts – and try to find ways to monetise them.
Use loyalty cards
Loyalty cards are an excellent way to save money with your favourite brands. By searching for loyalty card schemes, you’ll be able to earn rewards and discounts after a set number of purchases. This can help you trim a little more money off your Christmas spending.
Christmas can be difficult to afford. But by following the guide above and budgeting carefully, you should be able to enjoy a stress-free Christmas with your friends and family.
