How to save money in the run-up to Christmas?

While it may be tempting to use credit to pay for your Christmas presents, decorations and food, there are ways you can save money in the run up to Christmas. From reviewing your daily expenses to setting up a budget, we’ve put together some tips to help you make the most of the season without emptying your wallet.

Review your expenses

If you haven’t done it for a while, now may be a good time to have a look at your gas and electric provider and see if you can find a good deal elsewhere. Maybe consider installing smart metering equipment in your house, it has been proven to significantly reduce your bills. You could also cut some expenses that you don’t use anymore such as streaming services or the gym (if you haven’t been for months), there is no point paying for a service that you don’t use. You would be surprised how much money you would end up saving by reviewing every single monthly expense that goes out of your bank account.

Set a budget

Before you start going crazy on your Christmas shopping, start by making a list and setting up a budget. Try to be realistic, you can only afford what you can afford. Start by making a list of your family and friends you want to buy presents for and then allocate a specific amount for each one. By doing this, you’re less likely to overspend on one person. The same goes for the food, set a budget and try to stick to it, it can be tempting to go overboard around Christmas but the more organised you are, the better.

Go DIY this year

Crafting is definitely trendy this year, with more people spending time at home with their children, you have more opportunity to spend time with them doing arts and crafts. Instead of buying an expensive gift for their grandparents, why not gift them with a present made by their grandchildren? Cheap but also truly meaningful, you could save hundreds of pounds by making your own presents. It’s also a great way to bond with your children and spend time with them, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

Loyalty points

If you have a loyalty card, keep an eye on the current offers. In the run-up to Christmas, you can often find some great offers, savings and freebies across hundreds of different shops. It may be worth shopping around and trying to find the best deal before buying anything.