Simple swaps to save £5 a day and celebrate Christmas without debt
IT may be midsummer, but Christmas is just 157 days away – and it’s never too early to plan ahead.
With families everywhere counting the pennies, getting started now means you will spend much less in December.
To help you cut back on your costs, try these handy early Christmas countdown hacks to make the most of your money.
SHOP SAVVY
1. THE “Sh-opposite” hack: While everyone else is searching for summer goods, shop for items needed in the opposite season.
This month, snap up Christmas cards if you see them on sale.
TRY: Ebay has multipacks of ten from just 35p.
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2. DON’T wait for the big Xmas shop: Put an extra non-perishable gift or treat in your basket each week until Christmas.
It may be a little more expensive now, but spreading the cost will be easier on your pocket than paying for the whole lot in December.
TRY: JJ Whitley artisanal gold filtered vodka, £14.99 at Lidl.
3. GET the essentials in: Seen a top offer on Xmas musts, such as sticky tape, wrapping paper or foil? Stock up now.
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They are always handy to have, and you can use them all year round.
TRY: Sellotape Original, 24mm x 50m, down from £1.31 to 99p at Amazon.
4. PICK up a tree-mendous deal: Many big-name retailers have secret sale stock online, so bag a very early bargain with your Christmas tree this year.
TRY: The Range has 6ft artificial trees from £13.75.
5. BUILD up store cupboard basics which last until Xmas: Festive goods such as chocolate tubs, spices, sauces and nuts store really well.
If they’re on offer now, that’s even better.
TRY: Alesto roasted & salted peanuts 400g, £1.25 at Lidl.
- Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
SAVE SAVVY
1 TRENDING savings challenge: The popular £1- a-day savings challenge will see you bank at least £150, while the little vices savings challenge — where you cut out something small that you frequently buy, such as a daily chocolate bar or weekly takeaway — could net you up to £500.
TRY: Download a free savings chart from Pinterest.
2. DOWNSHIFT your entire shop: Swap big-name brands for own labels — and change from pricier supermarkets to the discounters — and you’ll get more for a lot less.
Don’t stop at food. Move everything you buy, from cleaning products to toiletries, and you could save up £600 before Christmas.
TRY: Lidl’s Formil 3-in-1 non-bio Liquitabs cost £2.99 for 20, compared to £4 for 13 Fairy non-bio pods.
3. TRIM your card list: The price of stamps leapt by a record-breaking 16 per cent this year.
A first class stamp now costs £1.10 while a second class one will set you back 75p.
To cut costs, slash your Christmas card list to just those you know will appreciate a paper card.
Update addresses now so you know they will go to the right place. The second class posting cut-off date is December 19.
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4. PLUG your money leaks: Buy a cheap paper notebook and write down every penny you spend. Once you can see where you overspend, it’s easier to cut unnecessary expenses. Experts say it can cut spending by up to 35 per cent.
5. THE three major meal moneysavers: Meal plan, bulk buy and batch-cook all your weekly meals. Done together, it can slash up to £100 a month off your food costs.
