At Christmas time somehow we never seem to have enough money for everything. Even double cheques and bonuses seem to magically disappear. It is the time of year when the shops are full of goodies and you just feel like spending money.
But of course, if you spend it all in December – then you are in deep trouble in January!
Here are a few ways to help save money this December.
- Write a list before you go shopping and stick to it.
- Make your own Christmas presents instead of buying them. Check out Pinterest and other such sites – people are so clever and they come up with really stunning ideas to make gorgeous stuff out of easy to get materials.
- Eat a good breakfast – this will mean that you don’t spend money on unhealthy snacks during the day.
- Drink more water – not only is this better for you than drinking cool drinks, but you can refill your bottle from the tap and keep it in the fridge.
- Invite friends over instead of going out. Get your friends to bring plates of food too.
- Clean out your cupboards. Don’t just toss the stuff you don’t want – have a garage sale or sell big items on-line. Or you could give something that you no longer use (that is still in good working order) to somebody else and brighten up their day.
- Swop books, games and DVD’s with your friends instead of buying new ones.
- Stop smoking. Put the money that you would have spent on cigarettes in a jar for a month and then buy yourself a present – you’ll be shattered at just how much money you will have saved.
- Don’t carry your credit card around with you – leave it at home for emergencies. That way you won’t be tempted to buy something that you cannot afford.
- Pack your own sandwiches instead of grabbing something from the shop at lunch time.
- Check out free events in the newspaper.
- Keep an “ideas notebook” in your pocket or bag – jot down any good ideas that you get and then you won’t forget them.
- Grow your own veggies – or at least some of them.
- Carpool – not only is this great for the environment – it’s a real money saver too.
- Don’t speed. You’ll save petrol and won’t run the risk of getting speeding fines!
Let’s all make it through December a bit more easily this year.
Sibo