The holiday season can be an exciting time of the year but for some it can also bring on feelings of financial stress. Buying gifts for loved ones, hosting festivities or travelling to see friends and family can quickly add up causing unwanted strain or pressure on the finances.
If this sounds familiar, check out our top five savings and budgeting tips to help you prepare for a jolly festive season.
1. Set yourself a budget
Creating a budget for the holiday season can be a great idea to help you stay within your means. Spend some time at the start of December to determine how much money you are willing to spend on gifts, food and travel. Once you have a budget set it’ll be easier to plan and find ways to stick to it. Get creative with this and remember to look out for sales or consider giving homemade gifts a go!
2. Live within your means
Throughout the year, aim to spend less than you earn. By doing so, when it comes to the festive season, you will have saved up a nice amount of cash to put towards your holiday expenses.
3. Track your spending
It’s natural to want to overspend over the holiday period. A vital tip to ensuring your December spending doesn’t hold you back from achieving your financial goals the following month or year is to track your spending.
Take some time at the end of each day or week to reflect on your spending and ensure you are staying within your budget. This will help ensure a smooth start to the new year, rather than a stressful one that may result in having to cut out the things you love.
4. Save for your future
December can fly by and it can seem like putting all your extra cash into the season of giving makes the most sense. A top tip for a thriving holiday season is to remember your long-term goals and save for your future. Make sure you put some cash, even a small amount, into a savings account to keep you on track towards your savings goals.
5. Stay positive
Lastly, it’s the holiday season so enjoy it! We all might overindulge from time to time and that’s ok. Focus on your long-term goals and if you find you’ve veered off track don’t beat yourself up. You can pick up again and continue moving forward. Focus on the good and appreciate the small things. Take some time out for yourself and surround yourself with the people you love. Christmas is not all about what is under the tree!
Thank you for letting us help you realise a better financial future. We hope you’ve found these top tips useful and are on your way to a happy festive season. If you need further guidance on how to save for the future, our advisers offer a free zero-obligation financial review. To find out more, call us on 0800 438 238 or email letstalk@advicefirst.co.nz.
