UQWellness eMag Nov 25 - Flipbook - Page 34
Tips for a
Budget-Friendly 䌀栀ristmas
1. Make a List & Check It Twice
Write down everyone you’re buying
for and set a spending limit per person.
Total it up and check it against your
budget before shopping.
2. Shop Early (or Late!)
Early birds avoid the December
price hikes and stock shortages. Late
shoppers can snag Boxing Day bargains
for next year — just be disciplined
enough to store them safely.
3. Use Cash or Debit Where Possible
Research from ASIC’s Moneysmart
shows that people spend up to 20%
less when using cash versus credit.
If you do use credit, have a
repayment plan.
4. Consider Kris Kringle or Secret Santa
This keeps costs down and ensures
everyone s琀椀ll gets a surprise gi昀琀.
5. DIY & Experiences Over “Stu昀昀”
Homemade gi昀琀s, baked treats, or
o昀昀ering your 琀椀me (babysi琀�ng,
cooking a meal, helping in the
garden) can be more meaningful
than another pair of socks.
6. Track Your Spending
Use a budge琀椀ng app or even just
your phone’s notes app to keep
tabs on purchases. Awareness
keeps you accountable.
7. Plan for Next Year
Set aside a “Christmas fund”
star琀椀ng in January — even $20 a
week builds up to over $1,000
by next December.
