How to enjoy the festive season without breaking the bank

Lifestyle

Personal Finance

Team MONEYME|20 December 2022| 3-minute read

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but it can also be the most expensive! Now that Christmas is just around the corner, if you’re like most of us, you’ve probably left your shopping until the very last minute.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways you can manage your spending during silly season and still have a great time.

Here are 5 tips to help you stay on budget in the lead up to Christmas.

1. Make a (realistic) budget

First and foremost, make a budget that includes both everyday spending and the extra expenses that you know are coming up.

Be realistic about what you can afford, and don’t be tempted to overspend at all the sales – after all, January will be way more enjoyable if you still have some cash in the bank. Set a limit on how much you’re willing to spend on each gift and don’t get carried away!

2. Look for some sweet offers

There are always sales and discounts during the holidays. Keep an eye on offers to make your dollars go further – if you shop around, you can usually find some great deals that’ll help you stretch your money.

3. Rack up those rewards!

If you have a rewards card, now is the time to use it! Get some money back on your extra spending and feel slightly less guilty about the damage you’re doing to your wallet.

With MONEYME Freestyle you get up to 40% back when you shop at over 2,000 Aussie stores. And the best part is, you’ll get the rewards back into your account in a matter of days.

4. Track your spending

Finally, make sure you track your spending, so you don’t get any nasty surprises at the end of the month. There’s nothing worse than realising you’ve gone over budget after the fact, so it’s important to stay on top of your finances.

5. Be resourceful

One of the best ways to save money this holiday season is to be resourceful with your gifts. Look for creative and unique ways to re-gift items you already have, or get crafty and make something special for your loved ones. DIY presents and thoughtful re-gifting can be the perfect way to show your loved ones you care without breaking the bank.

So there you have it – with a bit of careful budgeting and a few savvy shopping tricks, you can make it through silly season without breaking the bank!

MoneyMe Financial Group Pty Ltd l ABN 40 163 691 236 | Australian Credit Licence Number 442218 | Credit criteria, fees, charges, terms and conditions apply.