Christmas is an expensive time of year, extra events, food and presents can really blow out a household budget. So how can you celebrate the way you really want to without losing sight of your financial goals?

Here are 3 tips to help you stay on budget.

1. Save for it!

This seems pretty obvious but a lot of people forget to budget for Christmas until it is looming. Start a dedicated savings account for all your Christmas expanses, work out how much you need and start saving for it starting in July to September till christmas. P.s don’t forget to include extra fuel and food expenses in this account. 

Don’t forget to include your rewards program savings.

Buy your Presents early and store them or pay them off.

Whether you take advantage of the many great layby schemes available from July onwards or you buy them and store them yourselves, it is always a good idea to be prepared for Christmas presents in advance.

I personally do both, buy some things in advance when they are on special, sometimes I buy things at the boxing day sales for the next year and also save money to buy things like clothing closer to the date.

Also consider what they really need, i personally like to use a rhyme to make sure i don’t get too caught up in the present buying.

‘Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.”

Start a Christmas Food Hamper.

We’ve all seen and heard of Christco and it is a great idea but it is also way overpriced. Instead consider making your own Christmas Food Hamper.

Not only will this way save you a ton of money but it will mean you can buy the things that your family really like.

A storage container and a few items a week, come christmas you’ll have more than enough to get you through the christmas period without blowing out your food budget. I start mine in September every year and stash snacks and pantry items buying on clearance and reduced where possible it saves me hundreds and means i can afford to give my family more of what they want. Making our Christmas really special!

Some things to consider including in your Food Hamper are; Snacks and treats, Drinks of all kinds, Easy sides of meals, gravy, uht milk and custards. Cereals and other pantry staples for your Christmas feasts and holidays.