Take the stress away this Christmas!
Christmas is exactly one week away and you may already be feeling the financial strain. Or maybe you haven’t even started any of the seasonal spending, so it’s just a looming financial dread. But isn’t this supposed to be a time of joyful tidings and happy holidays? When did the Christmas season become so stressful?
If you want your Christmas to feel more cheerful and less stressful this year, read our tips on reducing the season’s financial stress!
Try a different Christmas Lunch
Hosting Christmas lunch this year? You don’t have to put all the financial burden on yourself. Ask your family to bring a dish each or have your guests cover drinks and nibbles while you handle the main event. Having more hands pitching in can help to reduce the cost significantly. If you end up with too much food, keep the leftovers! Turn the meats into curries, put away the salads for lunches and pack your freezer full of spare meals!
Plan your presents
It’s easy to start feeling desperate if you haven’t ticked everyone off your list by this point. But diving into the Christmas shopping with that kind of mindset is a sure way to end up spending more money than you intended. Before you go, think about exactly how much you want to spend, and plan out what to buy. Stick to your budget wherever you can. And take note of how much you spend on wrapping paper and ribbon! Every year we all spend money on brand new rolls of wrapping paper and ribbon, only to have most of it end up in the bin by lunch on Christmas Day. Think about saving the ribbon and paper you receive to reuse again next year. You’ll be amazed by how much money you can save!
Embrace the handmade possibilities
Christmas cards and gifts can cost us all a lot of money each and every year, but if you’re feeling the pinch this year, there could be a cheaper option! Handmade cards and gifts can be easier than you think and sometimes go down even better than a bought present. Even if you aren’t skilled at arts and crafts, printing out photos or baking biscuits might be a great way to show someone you care this giving season.
Need some extra financial help this Christmas? The Intrust360° financial advisers offer independent, low-cost financial advice. Give them a call today on 1300 001 360.