I don’t know about you but I’m definitely feeling the squeeze this Christmas when it comes to money. Now I absolutely love Christmas it’s my favourite time of year but it is so easy to spend more than you have and completely blow your budget out of the water. I love giving gifts, I love buying things that will make people happy but I don’t have an unlimited resource and making myself skint won’t make Christmas any more special. So, how do we save some money? Here are 5 things I’m doing to save a few pennies.

Take cash out 

It’s very easy to hit up the plastic and not think about it too much because it’s not physically in front of you. Come on, we all do it. So, instead, I will take cash out with me that is all I have to spend and once it’s gone it’s gone. This is hard because you can think ‘what if’ but that leads me on to my next point…

Plan ahead 

I love lists, love them. Trying to have a rough idea or something to aim for when you go Christmas shopping, otherwise, you might get in a panic and just buy whatever is there at whatever the price. Plan ahead, you’ll thank me later.

Prioritise who you’re buying for 

I’m a giver, I would happily buy Christmas presents for everyone, but my budget just won’t stretch to that. Write out who your priority buys are, immediate family for example, and make sure they’re covered first. It’ll mean more to you get a cherished family member something a little bit more special than splashing out on Janet from accounts for Secret Santa.

Think about handmade 

What are you good at? This might be an ideal route for gifts. I’ve handmade a few gifts this year and know that although they aren’t top of the range gifts, they will be loved and cherished.

Don’t fall for ‘sales’ 

In the run up to Christmas, there are plenty of ‘sales’ BUT be wary as retailers can be quite sneaky with boosting prices the week before and then giving a ‘sale’ and it returns to its original price. Sneaky, sneaky.

What are your top tips for sticking to a budget at Christmas time? Let me know in the comments below!