Before anyone shouts "Please No - not Christmas!" I really can't avoid suggesting that we all get as organised as possible ready for Christmas 2010 as there are lots of ways in which we can all save money.
I was prompted to think about this when I was listening to Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis who is such a gem, when he was talkin on Radio 2 on Friday and his advice was superb and literally came down to the fact that you DON'T have to spend a fortune on Christmas but for some reason we think that we have to!!
So I've already saved some money personally on Christmas 2010 and here are just a few hints,tips and suggestions that you could use:
- Supermarkets are still selling off their stocks of Christmas cards, crackers, wrapping paper and decoration so why not buy now in the sale? Typical savings are 75% off what you would have paid before Christmas!
- Budget for Christmas - if you know how much you spent this year and know what you need for this year, simply divid that figureby 12 and put a monthly amount away each month. Other alternatives could be to save supermarket saving stamps or purchase gift cards for yourself - a little bit each week soon adds up!
- Christmas cards - ever consider reusing the ones you received this year? I know someone who gets her children involved and they make new ones from the old ones!
- Plan to get together! Instead of hosting and paying for the whole of your Christmas day gathering, why not ask your guests to be involved and make one of the courses? You'd be surprised how much this can save.
- Consider alternative Christmas presents. Why do we tend to give people we love, something that we've bought for them? One of the nicest presents I received involved the recipients time and thought, not their money. You could give a voucher for a day out in the country and have a walk and a picnic. How about a romantic meal for 2 cooked by you? A pampering or romatic evening in? I'm sure your imagination could come up with lots of suggestions!
- Think about presents you could make yourself this year? I came across some easy and wonderful ideas in the Mail on Sunday for gift ideas that could be easily made at home - candles in china cups and fir cone firelighters. A little bit of gorgeous wrapping and you're giving a very personal present, made with love!
Please do send your ideas to us at info@fabulouslyfrugal.co.uk and we'll share them all here on the blog. Together we'll live fabulously and save lots of money!!
