As an addition to our recent budgeting articles that have revolved around this costly time of year, we decided to delve deeper and present some more Christmas budgeting tips.
Don’t Go For Expensive Brand Names
Quality does not have to directly link to price. and there is no better example than perfume. Forget about shopping in department stores. A slew of specialised internet retailers sell perfume for a fraction of the cost on the high street. Even better, get the unboxed bottles for a couple of dollars, then get a lovely box and wrapping for a couple of quid.
Christmas Budgeting Tips – Travel For Less
If you need to travel by train over the festive period, you may use up most of your budget before you’ve even arrived at your destination. So it is key as train prices hit new highs to find the best value fares possible. This requires a number of things. First of all, advance notice – so it will help if you can book your ticket well in advance. Secondly, you need to be flexible, and not tied to travelling at a set time on a set date. That path leads to financial ruin. Finally, prepare to be cunning and split your journey – booking a train to London from Manchester may be half the price if booking Manchester to Birmingham then Birmingham to London. See what you can do and work the system as much as possible.
Shop Online
On average, the web outperforms the high street in terms of pricing. To assist, comparison sites scour the internet for the best deals on CDs, books, games, and other items. I discovered that Google Shopping is the most reliable when it comes to finding the best deal. Google Shopping looks for items from a variety of stores, including Amazon, Currys PC World, John Lewis, and Tesco.
Christmas Budgeting Tips – If You Must Borrow
Then do it without additional costs, the best option being a 0% interest card for purchases. Budgeting is preferable, yet no matter what we say, some people will borrow. If you can’t acquire 0% in time and it’s your only alternative, don’t spend money on Christmas. Simply savour a meal, raise a glass, and set your sights on a prosperous New Year.
Collection Only Bargains
Scouring Facebook marketplaces and eBay for items in your area that are not available to post will mean there are some bargains to be had. After all, there are often bargains on these sites anyway, as sellers cannot demand a full retail price if they wish to sell. But for items that the sellers state are collection only, the competition for its purchase is lowered, meaning they tend to have to sell for less.
Christmas Budgeting Tips – Outlet Stores
Many people travel long distances to outlet villages in search of last-minute bargains. Many high-street and high-end stores now operate online outlet outlets. They’re frequently available on eBay or through specialised websites.
Post-Xmas Sales
These can be both dangerous and also a great opportunity if used to your advantage. The danger is you spend lots of money on good value items, but items that you did not really need. Spend your money wisely, on stuff you needed and would have bought at some point anyway, and you can really prosper. And if you are a super planner you can pick up presents for the subsequent year.
Discipline
Impulsive Christmas buying is perilous. So write a traditional grocery list and stick to it. Shops spend a lot of money to target your purchasing urges; a list can help you beat them.
Even if you’re shopping on the high street, remember to use shopbots to compare prices.
Use Credit Cards?
Unfortunately, businesses fail. It’s a nightmare if that happens and the ordered things don’t come, or if they do but are defective. However, under Section 75 legislation, if you use a credit card (rather than a debit card, check, or cash) to pay for anything between £100 and £30,000, the credit card company is jointly accountable for the entire amount.
If the company goes out of business, you can seek remedy from the credit card company instead — an important layer of protection. Do this only if you can pay off the card in full each month.
Section 75 does not apply to purchases under £100, but whether you use a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex credit card, or any debit or charge card, there is still an option that can help. If the products don’t arrive or are defective, you can ask your bank/card provider to reclaim the money from the seller’s bank within 120 days.
