How to Save Money During the Festive Season (without missing out)
Saving Your Pennies, whilst Enjoying this Time of the Year…
Many people believe that you can’t save money during the festive season without missing out on the fun that comes with this time of year. November and December are known as the most spenny months of the year. There are so many dinners to attend, things to see and presents to buy. This year, however, is a little different. For many here in the UK, we are about to enter more restrictions, whilst others will see the returns of bars and restaurants amongst other things.
Whilst we may not be doing all the traditional things we think to do during the festive season, most likely we will be spending our hard earn pennies. If you’re like me and are looking for ways to save money during the festive season without being a hermit, here are some of my top tips for getting the most out of this time of year, without feeling like you’re missing out…
EMBRACE THE FREE ACTIVITIES.
Whilst it’s enticing to have dinner out every weekend, this will eat into your bank balance very quickly. For some of us, the ability to eat out won’t be possible. To make the most of this time of year, why not make the most of the free activities that are available right now. Perhaps a walk in your local park or woodlands? Even better, get a takeaway coffee from your independent to enjoy. An affordable way to support your local without breaking the bank.
It’s also worth noting that during this time of year, holiday movie channels become available, even if you don’t have paid TV channels. Make the most of the cheesy Christmas films by having a film afternoon with a luxury hot chocolate. The cheesier the better.
MAKE THE MOST OF CASHBACK WEBSITES AND DISCOUNTS.
A lot of us will be shopping online this year for Christmas presents, so make the most of this by using cashback where possible. Some banks will offer this with your credit or debit card. Alternatively, you can sign up to a number of sites that will help save you money or provide money back on what you spend. Honey is a browser extension my husband uses and swears by for saving.
Alternatively, plan your Christmas shopping around the seasonal discounts that are being offered. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are offering huge savings this year. If you know exactly what gifts you’re buying during this time of year, now is the time to be buying them whilst the savings are happening. All those extra pennies you save can be put to one side, or perhaps a small festive celebration.
MAKE A BUDGET & STICK TO IT.
One of the most important things you need to do in order to save money during the festive season is to make a budget. More importantly, you need to stick to it. It can be very tempting to go off script and buy all the gifts in the world for everyone. However, in order to make sure you’re in the best shape for the new year, it’s important to sit down one evening and make a plan. Perhaps this year you are limiting gifts to just immediate family. Speak to them, I’m sure they will understand under the circumstances.
CONSIDER MAKING YOUR GIFTS INSTEAD OF BUYING.
One thing to also consider this year is making your gifts rather than buying. I’m sure your friends and family are going to love receiving something homemade from you, knowing the time and effort you put into it. Things to consider making are personalised candles, homemade cookie mixes or even sewing something if you are gifted in this area. Something personal is really going to make someone smile this year.
OFFER SERVICES RATHER THAN MONETARY GIFTS THIS SEASON.
Not the craftiest of people? How about offering your services instead? Know someone with a newborn baby? How about offering some vouchers for babysitting (if safe) or perhaps some food shop runs for them. Are you excellent at organising your own home? Why not offer to declutter and organise your friend’s wardrobe who you know will appreciate it? Time is money and giving someone this gift of time to focus their energy elsewhere is more valuable than offering a gift that someone may not 100% love.
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