Ten cost-cutting tips for Christmas

Cape Town, 25.11.2005: Reporter Natasha wraps a present with the gift wrap that comes free when you purchase an Argus on November 28. The paper has been created by the Paediatric HIV Foundation and a portion of the profit will be given to this foundation, which take care of children infected by HIV. Picture Brenton Geach

Cape Town, 25.11.2005: Reporter Natasha wraps a present with the gift wrap that comes free when you purchase an Argus on November 28. The paper has been created by the Paediatric HIV Foundation and a portion of the profit will be given to this foundation, which take care of children infected by HIV. Picture Brenton Geach

Published Dec 23, 2015

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Cape Town - With the festive season in full swing, if you celebrate Christmas you are likely counting down the days.

For many of us means last minute -shopping, planning lunch menus and buying food, and perhaps spending a little too much of our end of year bonus, if we are fortunate enough to receive one. Sometimes the thought of our ‘Janu-worry’ budget flashes into our minds, but we shrug it off with a jolly “buy now, worry later!”

But it does not have to be that way, says Metropolitan’s Cebisa Mfenyana. “You can celebrate the holidays and still be financially savvy by thinking practically – celebrating should not result in a financial worry.”

Mfenyana outlines 10 cost-cutting tips for Christmas that – little by little – will help you save, so that December holidays do not break the bank.

 

1. That’s a wrap

It sounds like a frugal thing to do, but re-using wrapping paper really does save in the long run. So unwrap your presents carefully and don’t throw away those gift bags and ribbons – keep it all neatly stored and when the next birthday or Christmas comes up, you will already be sorted, minus the bill.

 

2. Keep it secret

As much as gift-giving can be a joy, it can also cause a lot of stress, especially if you have planned to buy presents for your immediate and extended family, plus friends and neighbours! You might want to consider playing “Secret Santa”: each person in your family/friend circle who will be celebrating Christmas together draws a name from a hat – and then are tasked with (secretly) buying a gift for that one person. One of the rules should also be to set a budget for this gift, whether it be R150 or R300, for example. In this way you can focus your attention on one person and put some effort into getting them something they will really appreciate – and save on both financial pressure and the stress of shopping for multiple people.

 

3. Get creative

Hone your skills, whether it is knitting, photography, or writing poetry, and think of creative ways to show your loved ones you appreciate them. Even a love letter to a spouse or partner – while it costs nothing – can be the most memorable gift. You could even get your loved ones a lasting gift such as funeral cover or even taking out an investment or savings policy for them.

 

4. Share the love

If you are hosting a family dinner or lunch in your home, don’t get caught up with wanting to impress your guests by playing the perfect hostess – assign certain people to bring dishes or drinks.

 

5. Freeze it

One thing associated with the festive season is food – LOTS of it (which is probably why so many people’s New Year’s resolutions include shedding those extra kilos)! There is a tempting pressure to eat all of the leftover food in the days following Christmas, but keeping some of your leftovers in the freezer will ensure some ready made meals which you will really appreciate towards the end of January when the grocery budget is tight.

 

6. Entertain at home

Aside from avoiding the mad crowds during the festive season, spending time with your family and friends at home – watching movies, playing board games, watching sport, hosting braais – will spare your wallet from those extra fuel and entertainment expenses.

 

7. Benefit from your loyalty

Now is the time to claim back those loyalty points that you have been saving up the whole year, whether it is from a supermarket or a retail store. You might be surprised at how many points you have accumulated, which will translate to Rands saved in the midst of your extra festive expenses. You can use these points in January when the funds are low.

 

8. Stick to the list

When you go out shopping this season make a list before you go out and try and stick to it at least 90 percent. There are so many “bright lights” vying for your attention that if you go shopping without a plan it is easy to make unnecessary purchases that eat into your budget.

 

9. Go easy on the credit

When you go Christmas shopping, consider leaving your credit card at home and taking your debit card or cash with you instead. This will help you to avoid spending money that you don’t have which will come as a nasty surprise later on.

 

10. Start planning for next Christmas

Whether you like planning well in advance or not, you’ll be thankful for this tip one year down the line: Take advantage of the post-Christmas sales and buy your Christmas décor, cards, even gifts for next year now – it will save you heaps of money next year.

IOL, adapted from a press release.

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