In a few weeks’ time, Christmas will be on your doorstep. Are you financially prepared for it?
There are various costs involved when it comes to silly season festivities – travel, accommodation, pocket money, gifts, and activities – and perhaps the biggest part of your expenditures – groceries.
Carla Oberholzer, debt adviser and spokesperson at DebtSafe, says it is time to be proactive in the weeks prior Christmas. “There is still time to make sure you are financially ready to get through the festive season. And, remember, the last thing you should do is consider making more debt,” highlights Oberholzer.
These tips can help you to have yourself (and your pocket) a rand-wise Christmas this year:
Food & groceries
It is most likely that you are still feeling the effect of this year’s various increases on your pocket. Groceries are very expensive, BUT there are a few things that you can do to not break the bank when it comes to meal planning this Christmas:
Make sure in the weeks prior Christmas that your pantry, fridge and freezer are stocked (not overstocked) with long-lasting ingredients to keep your budget under control and to avoid last-minute expensive buys.
For Christmas Day – Oberholzer recommends that everybody should club in and pay a certain amount to cover the necessary lunch/dinner costs. If needed – you and your friends or family members can also plan in advance to bring your own drinks, meat or a family favourite dish for the special celebration
Fuel & travel
Recent fuel hikes can make you think twice about travelling but there are ways to save on fuel.
If your friends or family members are also driving from the same area, consider carpooling. Using fewer cars means using less fuel AND money.
Get the best fuel consumption by driving in the highest gear possible and maintaining a constant speed from your home to your destination.
Because Christmastime is also summertime – be aware that your air-con uses more fuel when you drive at a slower speed.
Gifts & ornaments
Presents and decorations should not cost an arm and a leg. Remember – creativity goes a long way! When it comes to gifts, remember that it’s the thought that counts. Keep your gifts personal, yet frugal this year. Let the kids bake personalised cookies for your loved ones, or use available items and get going with your own arts and crafts skills to make ornaments, bookmarks, coasters, or jewellery items.
If you pre-plan your 2019 Christmas while there is still time, you will not only ease your pocket and nerves but also pave the way many more rand-wise Christmases to come.
Visit www.debtsafe.co.za for more information.