HOW TO HAVE A BUDGET FRIENDLY (BUT STILL A GREAT) CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION!
The holidays are just around the corner. Parties, night outs, bazaars, gifts, decors…With it comes company bonuses, 13th month pays and an endless list of expenditures as well.
Money might be much tighter this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so to help you, we’re sharing tips on how to enjoy this holiday season on a budget for you and your family.
SET YOUR LIMIT
Make a budget and stick to it. Establish how much you’ve got to spare. You can download Spending tracker apps on Google Play or App Store to help you keep track of your Christmas spending and prevent you from going overboard.
CREATE A CHECKLIST
Make a list of what you need to buy and to whom you’re buying it for. Shopping can make you go crazy if you don’t have anything to follow. So, grab yourself a pen and paper and start planning the likes and dislikes of your family and friends.
SHOP FOR GREAT DEALS AND DISCOUNTS
Start investing on great deals! Christmas sales are a great time to shop. It is best to come on the first days of the sale. Aside for saving your pockets, you avoid the hassles and traffics of the Christmas rush. Also, you can check factory outlets for discounted goods.
SPEND LESS FROM SHOPPING ONLINE
Online shopping sites have become even more popular nowadays and many people realized the convenience it brings that just by some clicks on your phones…Voila! You’re done shopping! And also, you can get goods way cheaper compared to malls, direct to suppliers, with cashbacks and vouchers you can apply before checkout that makes the prices even cheaper than you expected. But we have to be wise enough to check first the reviews for the shop to make sure of the quality and the legitimacy of the products and the sellers as well.
PAY IN CASH WHENEVER YOU CAN
Put aside a certain budget that you will get to spend this season. Then put that exact amount out, divide it and label each one according to where it will be spent (Gifts, decor, food, clothes, etc.) This way, you will not get to overspend and be surprised with credit card bills to pay come January.
MAKE HOMEMADE GIFTS
Consider making gifts than buying them. Gifts like baked cookies, succulents, plants, homemade soaps and scented candles, desserts, homemade spices and sauces, etc. When a gift is handmade, it carries special meaning. It shows you took the time and effort to make something truly extraordinary.
ORGANIZE A POTLUCK PARTY
Potlucks are a smart, inexpensive way of throwing a party while making sure there is plenty of food to feed everyone. For potlucks to be successful, participants must be willing to go on board with the idea. Communication is the key to make this work. There will be a lot of talking and PMs to ensure you don’t get the same dishes or party supplies.
PLAY A RAFFLE
You don’t need to buy gifts for every family member, as the important thing is the time spent together. You can organize a game or a raffle may be, it can either be agreed for each friend/family group who wants to get involved, throw your names in and decide on a maximum spend you’re all comfortable with. This way, everyone gets a nice gift and no one is left bankrupt. The catch here though is to remain anonymous.
With that, I wish you and your family the best Holidays ever!
