* * * How to Save Money at Christmas * * *

How to Save Money at Christmas

All the shops are now in the full Christmas swing with their decorations and promotions all over the place and if you haven’t thought about Christmas and doing your shopping now’s probably the time to start. Last minute shopping is not good for you or your finances.

Christmas can be a very expensive time for many families so to help keep the spending under control here’s a few simple tips we can follow this Christmas :

* Start your shopping now – buy a few things each week it’s easier on the budget. While you are doing that look closely at using the good old lay by system. Paying off little bits each week is less of a drain on your finances than spending large amounts all at once in the week leading up to Christmas.

* Consider setting up a Chris Kringle system for buying presents – in other words put every family members name into a hat and have each family member draw out one name. This way each person only has to buy one present – great for big families. Set a dollar limit on presents – sometimes it’s hard to stick to but it’s a great way to keep the spending under control.

* Use cash where ever you can – A good way to allocate your spending. Cash also has a way of getting better prices.

* Limit the use of your credit cards - Christmas is the peak period for credit card usage. So try and use your cards as little as possible. If you need help on curbing your spending you can always contact your bank and lower the limit on your card. Yes, a dramatic move but this will certainly do the trick. Let’s face it if you don’t have it you can’t spend it!!

* Consider giving gift vouchers – sounds like an easy way out but they can be used in the January sales and can buy more when the prices are lowered. You can even buy them over the internet.

* Consider converting your reward points into gift vouchers– some reward programs now offer you the ability to cash in your points for vouchers or special deals or products.

* Save money on family Christmas gatherings – if coordinating the entire clan for Christmas Day becomes a cost and logistics nightmare why not find a park some where central and hold a BYO family Christmas bash. My family does this and it’s always a real hoot.

* Shop around for presents don’t just buy the first one you see – if you start now you have the luxury of time to compare products and prices.

* Don’t leave your present buying to the last minute. You’ll end up getting too frustrated battling the crowds and end up buying things out of desperation that will cost you way more than you budgeted.

This article is courtesy of Greg Smith of Money-Ed-Box - to learn more about Greg's innovative new Money Box - Click Here