OK, so you have no money and its not even December and you are thinking- How am I going to survive Christmas? How am I going to enjoy Christmas? How is my family going to enjoy Christmas knowing I am low on money? Here are ten suggestions for all you survivors out there-
1- Either buy now or buy in Christmas week. Don't wait till mid December because that's when prices will be at their highest. Either buy now when prices are average or wait till the retailers drop the prices in Christmas week. If you know what you want to buy and know where you can get it then as long as its not 'the years hottest new thing' that could run out fast then you can usually save cash by waiting for the price fall nearer Christmas. If you can brave the high street then Christmas eve is the time for bargains.
2- Buy everything in one store and get a store card before you do so that you can save on bulk buys. This work's with stores online and on the high street. Examples are Amazon discounts and gift cards. If you buy in bulk you can get further discount vouchers that can be useful in the new year.
3- Buy food now that's reduced, e.g. Turkeys then freeze them till Christmas Eve. This works with most foods so try and get those discounts and bargains now to spread the cost of Christmas.
4-Join a Christmas saving scheme such as Park at getpark.co.uk, which enables you to spread Christmas over the whole year, but beware, you still need to be cost conscious and be frugal and sensible about how you use this scheme.
5-Buy things for your kids that are fun and useful. So that your family gets added value out of this Christmas. Obviously get things they will love, but will they love a toy that loses its appeal after the holiday or will they thank you for buying them a bike or sports gear that will serve them year round
6-Don't buy a Turkey, get another cut. Do you like Turkey? or do you prefer beef? You can get some great deals on some great cuts of meat that perhaps don't sell so well, but if you like them then why not?
7- Make your own Christmas Decorations. Its more fun and is a great way to spend time with your family. It will also feel better than tacky trash on Christmas day.
8- Make your own Christmas cards by cutting up your old Christmas cards and customising them. Cards are works of art, add your own creativity by recycling and adding a bit of you or your childrens personality to the cards that you send. Its more personal and its virtually free.
9- Buy online and save on petrol and parking fees. But do suppirt your high street if you know where to look for bargains. You can get some excellent second hand items that look like new such as books and traditional toys or jewellery. Dont think that presents have to be brand new. If they are thoughtful and hit the mark then that's all that matters.
10- Set your budget. This will help you siphon through the trash and find the best deals. I did this and found that having budgets in mind made me really concentrate on getting good deals and still getting what I wanted.
Good luck everyone and have a great Christmas and all the very best for the coming New Year!
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