Here are our top tips to keep from overspending over the holidays:
Go the Secret Santa route
Will the whole family be coming together for Christmas? If so, go the Secret Santa route! Toss everyone’s names in a hat, have everyone draw at random and settle on an amount that each participant can spend on their gift. This way, everyone can open a present on the day, and there is none of the discomfort that arises when certain gifts quite obviously cost more than others.
Enjoy your town like a tourist
If you’re saving money by staying at home over the holidays, there are still ways to have fun. Every city and town in South Africa has at least two or three touristy things that are recommended to visitors. When last did you enjoy an outing to your town’s tourist spots? Maybe there is hiking route you haven’t tried, or a gorgeous park where you could enjoy a picnic and a fun afternoon of reading and hanging out under the trees? Try to see how many free things you can rustle up to do – turn it into a family challenge.
Plan your meals & get creative
We tend to relax our routines over holidays, which can lead to needless expenditures on fast food and ready meals when we realise that the fridge is looking a bit bare or no-one feels like cooking. A simple way to save money is to plan your family’s meals ahead so you know what to shop for, and do to a big shop once a week so there is no room for unnecessary spending.
Following these guidelines will pave the way for a cost-effective festive season that won’t cause any money-related meltdowns in January. We are always so worried about creating an impression of abundance, that we often forget that the simplest way to pave the way to a prosperous financial future is to live within our means.
Enjoy a wonderful festive season with your loved ones over the holidays and keep an eye on the blog in 2019 for more helpful advice on managing your finances one good habit at a time.