Tag: #money

Money Saving Tips: Christmas on a Budget

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With the increased cost of living, many people are left wondering how they are going to cope with this festive season. Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep the cost down without having to sacrifice the Christmas spirit. 

Here are my top 12 money-saving tips for living a happier and stress-free Christmas.

Money Saving Hacks for Christmas Gifts

Keep reading if you are looking for new ways to budget for Christmas gifts. 

1. Do ‘family gifts’ or a Secret Santa

Christmas can easily drain your wallet if you’ve got a big family or friendship group to consider for gift-giving. Suggesting a Secret Santa with a spending limit is a great way to keep costs down, and it allows you to focus on shopping for one person. Alternatively, you can buy something that can be enjoyed by the whole family, such as a board game, food and beverage hamper, or gift experience.

2. Buy second hand

No one looks down at secondhand items as long as there has been some thought put into it. Purchasing second-hand is more sustainable, and you can find some treasures. Online sites to obtain such pieces include Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and eBay for Charity. The latter is partnered with several second-hand charity shops like the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research. 

3. Combine your online orders

Many stores provide shipping free of charge when customers spend a certain amount. To avoid hefty delivery charges, look at presents for your loved ones from the same online store. Otherwise, check if the website offers free delivery to their physical stores if the threshold is too high for home delivery.

Top Tip: Look for further discounts such as 2 For 1, 20% off, buy one get one half-price to make your money last longer etc. 

4. Dedicate one day to Christmas shopping

Another major cause of overspending on Christmas is leaving everything until the last minute. Therefore, try and find a whole day to set aside to get all the gifts you need. Alternatively, you can use this day to craft or get started on any DIY presents.

Related Reading: Create a Self-Care Box

5. Say ‘No’ to random gift exchanges

Don’t feel obliged to succumb to social pressure if it is detrimental to your budget. It is acceptable to turn down invitations to random gift exchanges at your work or social groups. Nonetheless, continue to be kind and show appreciation when saying “no”. 

6. Plan your food shopping

Instead of buying your Christmas dinner last minute, start thinking of your food shopping early on. That way, you can stock up on the essentials whenever you see them on offer. In addition, it will reduce the need to pay for all your Christmas food in one go, making spending more manageable. 

7. Don’t over-buy on groceries 

It is tempting to gather masses of food and drink during the holidays “just in case” someone might fancy it at some point. Many of us will be hosting family and friends, therefore, we feel compelled to load up on snacks such as mince pies and cakes which can be difficult to finish, especially after eating Christmas dinner. Try to avoid being lured into adding more things to your shopping cart which is likely to go to waste.

8. Swap the turkey

There is no written rule that turkey is a must-have to feature on the menu. As it is an expensive item, why not select a cheaper alternative to carve this Christmas? For example, a whole chicken or pork shoulder is a more affordable and crowd-pleasing option. Alongside the several side dishes, you can still have a delicious dinner. 

9. Spend less on traditions

Save money this Christmas by cutting down on the extras, such as sending out Christmas cards, purchasing expensive new ornaments, etc. Instead, create personal and less costly traditions that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Top Tip: Most towns and villages host a free holiday festival where you can enjoy family-friendly games, drink mulled wine, get pictures with Santa, and more, all for free or a small charity donation. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!

10. Buy an artificial Christmas tree

While real Christmas trees are stunning, their price tag is quite dear, especially when you have to buy a new one every year. An artificial tree is long-lasting and guarantees to be a perfect fit for your home. There are plenty of styles to choose from like snow-covered branches while others come pre-decorated so you do not have to pay out for baubles and glittery tinsel.

11. Check before you travel

If you’re planning to travel for Christmas, be sure to check ticket prices and journey times as demand will increase closer to the Christmas period. Try to avoid travelling at peak times for maximum comfort, and book your ticket as early as possible. 

Top Tip: Bring some food and water from home while you travel to avoid another expense. Also, use a railcard for a discount on your Christmas and future tickets. 

12. Use loyalty points and vouchers

Redeem loyalty points and vouchers that you’ve accumulated throughout the year. By doing so, you can reduce the final cost of your shopping and stretch your money further. Popular retailers like Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer have regular promotions for their customers. However, it’s still important to compare prices to ensure the loyalty discounts are worth it.

Boots UK is my favourite store for obtaining toiletries and skin products. I’ve been delighted with the quality and diversity of their recent vegan range and recommend that you check it out.

Related Reading: Easy Ways to Save Money

Thank you for reading this blog post! 💖 Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, so let’s try to get through the month stress-free. There are many ways to keep the cost down this Christmas time and prevent a financial hangover in the new year.

Hit the “Like” button if you are excited about Christmas. Please feel free to share your money-saving hacks in the comment section below! 🤗🙏✨

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12 Free Things to do on a No-Spend Weekend

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In this article, we will explore how to enjoy a no-spend weekend and provide you with practical and engaging ideas to make the most of your time off. If you’re looking to save money or stick to a tight budget, you don’t have to lock yourself in a room. Contrary to popular belief, you can still have a fantastic weekend without using a credit card. 

What is a No-Spend Weekend?

A no-spend weekend is a budgeting and money-saving strategy. You still pay for the necessities like groceries but try to keep additional outgoings to a minimum. This means no eating out or extravagant activities – just simple, frugal entertainment.

12 Free Things to Do on a No-Spend Weekend

Of course, you’d want to have fun on your days off after a week of hard work. Here are 12 free things to do on a no-spend weekend that don’t include you breaking the bank.

1. Learn a New Skill

Nowadays, you are no longer restricted to gaining new expertise just face-to-face. You can learn many creative skills from the internet, such as drawing, knitting, and cooking. Alternatively, you can pick up a money-saving skill like changing a tire or fixing a toilet. There is a mixture of online articles, videos, and courses to assist you. Best of all, most are accessible for free. 

2. Play Games

Why not dig out some old board games or a deck of cards and challenge your partner or family to a few rounds? In addition to being a great social activity, playing games triggers the release of endorphins, i.e. happy hormones, leaving you feeling cheerful and comfortable.

Or, instead, there are solo games such as jigsaw puzzles and sudoku. My personal favourites are word puzzles, especially Word of Wonder, which I play on my phone when commuting.

3. Donate your Old Items

This benefits yourself and others as you can declutter your house and recycle old clothing, books, and dishes to charity shops that can find them a second home. 

However, please note that all donated belongings must still be reusable and in good condition. 

4. Reorganise Your Home

Is there a section of your home which has been neglected? Spend your weekend making changes to an area so you feel happier when you next approach it. This could be your living room, work desk, wardrobe, etc. 

Updating your home for free includes rearranging furniture, changing pillows and blankets, and moving artwork or other decor. Soon, you’ll find that the previously-neglected area will feel reinvigorated with its new layout.

5. Plan Your Next Vacation

Take some time to sit down and plan your next big vacation. Check out the different sights or places you want to visit and possible accommodations and determine how much it will cost. Moreover, you could start planning how to save for your future trip.

One helpful method to fund your upcoming holiday is to apply for a travel credit card. Rewards range from flexible travel and hotel loyalty points to airline miles and airport lounge access.

6. Exercise

Set aside one hour of your weekend to elevate your physical and mental health by exercising. Despite popular belief, you can work out successfully without signing up for a pricey gym membership or buying any equipment.

YouTube is a wonderful asset for finding millions of free workout videos like yoga, cardio, and more tailored to your fitness level and end goal, i.e. increase flexibility and muscle strength, or even weight loss. 

Alternatively, head outside for fresh air if you want to avoid being stuck indoors – especially during the summer months. Take in your local scenery with a brisk stroll or bike ride.

7. Review Your Finances

If you live paycheck to paycheck, it may be an excellent time to review your accounts. By doing so, you can identify and address unused subscriptions, fraudulent activities, or higher charges. 

Keep an eye on any companies that have sneakily increased their service prices. This allows you to negotiate better rates or lower costs with other providers. With a clearer understanding of where your money is going, you can allocate funds more appropriately and avoid overspending.

8. Set Goals

Define meaningful goals in various aspects of your life, such as finances, personal development, or career advancement. Setting clear objectives with deadlines or milestones can bring a sense of fulfilment and be a powerful motivator for self-awareness and improvement.

9. Watch a TED talk

Take a break from binge-watching films and TV shows (except for Ted Lasso – what a brilliant program!), and check out a TED talk. They are easily digestible, lasting up to 10 to 20 minutes.

Often featuring inspiring speakers from all over the globe, you can pick from a range of topics which will, in the end, leave you feeling more empowered, confident, creative, or curious for further information. Another benefit is that it presents learning opportunities through engaging and thought-provoking presentations. 

10. Attend Free Events

Use the Eventbrite app to find free events near you (sometimes schools, churches, and libraries host free events like art shows and lectures) or online. It is an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and socialise. Create an account to receive special offers and personalised event recommendations.

11. Dedicate Time to Your Passion

Our passions often reflect a core part of our identity, and by pursuing it, you nurture that part of yourself and reinforce your sense of distinction and self-expression. Furthermore, it provides opportunities for learning, skill-building, and self-discovery. 

12. Earn Some Extra Cash

Lastly, use your no-spend weekend as an opportunity to explore avenues for making some additional income. Sign up for websites that offer paid online surveys or leverage your skills to create and sell homemade products like greeting cards, crocheted items, or artwork. You can also provide your services as a babysitter, pet sitter, or dog walker in your community.

Contrary to common misconceptions, having a no-spend weekend doesn’t mean sacrificing fun and productivity. By incorporating these cost-free activities into your downtime, you can enjoy fulfilling experiences while sticking to your budget. 

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