‘Tis the Season to Be Jolly and Save Money.
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To start off with let’s take a look at some smart shopping tips.
·’Tis the Season to Be Jolly and Save Money. Make a list of everyone that you intend to buy or give a present to this season. The list also state how much you are willing to spend on every person on the list. Then when you go shopping take the list along, tick off as you get the gifts for each person, and stick to your list no matter what.
· It helps to be a bit organized, what is that saying again about the worm, oh yes, the early bird catches the worm. This holds true for Christmas presents as well, why not start now to buy some gifts. The earlier you start, the more you can shop around for better ideas and great deals. This also means that you can get some presents now already and save this money when the real fun starts. I tend to start months in advance, sometimes even five months before the festive season. Especially for children and those people that are really difficult people to buy gifts for.
I keep an open eye and open mind at all times. When I see something that I do think will be a great present for someone. I buy it straight away, put it away in a special cupboard at home and keep it for Christmas. This way I have a much shorter shopping list when the big rush starts, and I give out less of my valuable cash on the presents.
·There is truth in the saying that it is the thought that count. Use your creativity, and be creative by making things to give to your family and friends. Home made decorated baked goodies and some preserves always goes down very well with almost everyone. Make things that is personal and that reflects your talents, your personality and your personal style. These gifts will generally be better accepted and much more appreciated than the normal type of gifts that we just randomly buy.
We all like to take a holiday during the festive season, but an end-of-year family holiday do not need to cost anyone an arm and a leg at all.
· Plan ahead, book flights early to get it at a cheaper airfare. And when possible chose to travel at off-peak times, like Monday mornings for example. The few dollars you save doing this can go a long way in the end.
· Then there is always the option of a real exciting adventurous road trip, you do not necessarily have to fly at all. Exploring the beautiful country side by bus or car can be far more interesting and exciting. Along with it being more economical especially for the larger family or group.
· Browse and explore accommodation options online. There are a large number of sites that cater specifically for budget cheaper holidays, and the bookings are also often cheaper online anyway.
· Rather opt to stay in self catering apartments or holiday houses rather than a hotel. Then also rather cook at home instead of dining out every night. It is cheaper and more special anyway if you dine out once a week during the holidays than every single night. Then make turns cooking then everyone gets a chance to make their favorite meal at home, and not only is it cheaper this way. It is so much healthier and less weight gain as well. We all usually complain after the festive season about finances and weight. This way we can curve both at the same time.
‘Tis the season to be jolly and save money. For those of us that is staying at home this festive season. It can be a great festive time even if we do not let the household expenses creep up on us during the holiday either.
· Make a list before you go grocery shopping, make sure to take the list along when going shopping. Then make sure to strictly stick to the list so you do not get pulled in by all the appealing holiday specials, or get swept away by the air of indulgence that is all around you everywhere you go. It all gives you that great happy feeling, but be careful not to fall for it.
· Keep your electricity bills to a minimum by practicing energy efficiency. Although we are all supposed to do this all year round. Now is a great time to keep up with it, or to start if you have not been doing it all year round. Put a timer on the geyser, and do not leave any appliances on standby mode. Switch to energy-saving light bulbs, unplug your cell phone or any other appliance chargers…. You know the drill.
· When buying essentials, buy in bulk, and buy as many generic items as possible. Also keeping your fridge and freezer well stocked is also more energy efficient as food acts as insulation for cold, so the fuller your fridge and freezer, the less it has to run to stay cool.
Then just use your good sense.
· Whatever you do, do not blow your end of year bonus on festivities. Rather opt to feed it into your bond or a savings account like a fixed interest account and watch it grow for a few months. You will be surprised at the end of next year how much it has grown, and how good that will make you feel.
· All the parties, the outfits the drinks and the dining, all these take their toll on your wallet and bank account. Rather try to entertain economically at home, or start a dinner club, with a different couple, family or friend hosting something each week.
· Keep your alcohol consumption to a festive minimum. Not only do all those nice cocktails add up in dollars. Also to much of a good thing is always unhealthy and not good. Driving under the influence could cost you your life, or someone else’s.
· New Year’s Eve parties always tend to have a hefty admission fees, and I have often found these equally disappointing too. Rather organize a nice New Year’s Eve party at someone’s home, or your own home. Invite your friends and family and have each guest bring a different snack or drinks, and ring in the new year in comfort with good friends, family, good food and a festive cheer.
Go ahead, have a cheery happy festive season as ’tis the season to be jolly and save money. Good cheer and a blessed festive season to all.
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