Bernard Manning claimed that the bigotry of which he was sometimes accused did not reflect his real character. Whatever the truth, there is no denying his wit. In the interests of a low cost Christmas he once provided batteries for his children as gifts, each with a card which read ‘Toys Not Included’.
By the time the twelve days of Christmas are upon us the damage to credit cards, bank accounts and wallets will in many cases often have occurred. So, what about twelve tips for the pre-Christmas period which should ensure a financially painless New Year (and with which Mr Manning would presumably have agreed)?
1. Be realistic and budget accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person – and stick to it. Manage expectations as to what you or Santa can give. You will enjoy the season more if you don’t have to worry how you are going to pay for it.
2. Remember that rent, the mortgage, utility bills, food bills and repayments of other existing debts still have to be met – and the consequences of not doing so can be severe.
3. If at all possible avoid credit. Pay by cash, cheque and debit card if you can. Remember credit cards bite back in January
4. Christmas shopping on impulse is dangerous. So make an old-fashioned shopping list and stick to it. Remember, shops spend a fortune on targeting your spending impulses – a list helps you beat them whether you are shopping on the high street or on-line
5. Why not make a ‘No Unnecessary Present Pact’ with family and friends or swap wish lists so that everyone gets what they really want
6. Use colourful magazines to wrap small presents or decorate plain paper with glitter, paint and stickers for an original way to present gifts. Old Christmas cards can also be cut up to make great gift tags. You can get ideasfrom your local library,
7. Shop with friends and family and take advantage of the many bulk buy deals available at supermarkets or cash and carry stores. This is also a good time to use reward points on loyalty cards.
8. Home made presents can have a real impact on many people who really appreciate the trouble taken to make original gifts. If you are not creative try making tokens promising to cook a meal or spend an evening babysitting.
9. Shop around in as many different places as possible to get the best price. Including the Internet. Beware of extended warranties as the cost of a repair could be less than the cost of the warranty and they often exclude cover for the things most likely to go wrong.
10 .Ask the children to make a Christmas list, including one really special item that they really, really want – tell them to think about their choice carefully as that may be their main present. Young children are often more interested in playing with the wrapping than the gifts inside.
11. There is no law that says you have to send Christmas cards every year. With email, and other online options, you can lift this burden from your budget. If you would rather send Christmas cards deliver them personally or write them early and send them by 2nd class post.
12.Once Christmas is over, it’s worth looking at what went well and what didn’t go so well. Start planning how you will do things next year. Buy cards and wrapping in the sales. Look for presents throughout the year. Now is the best time to start saving for next Christmas
.And may all your Christmases be cost effective
Bernard Manning claimed that the bigotry of which he was sometimes accused did not reflect his real character. Whatever the truth, there is no denying his wit. In the interests of a low cost Christmas he once provided batteries for his children as gifts, each with a card which read ‘Toys Not Included’.
By the time the twelve days of Christmas are upon us the damage to credit cards, bank accounts and wallets will in many cases often have occurred. So, what about twelve tips for the pre-Christmas period which should ensure a financially painless New Year (and with which Mr Manning would presumably have agreed)?
1. Be realistic and budget accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person – and stick to it. Manage expectations as to what you or Santa can give. You will enjoy the season more if you don’t have to worry how you are going to pay for it.
2. Remember that rent, the mortgage, utility bills, food bills and repayments of other existing debts still have to be met – and the consequences of not doing so can be severe.
3. If at all possible avoid credit. Pay by cash, cheque and debit card if you can. Remember credit cards bite back in January
4. Christmas shopping on impulse is dangerous. So make an old-fashioned shopping list and stick to it. Remember, shops spend a fortune on targeting your spending impulses – a list helps you beat them whether you are shopping on the high street or on-line
5. Why not make a ‘No Unnecessary Present Pact’ with family and friends or swap wish lists so that everyone gets what they really want
6. Use colourful magazines to wrap small presents or decorate plain paper with glitter, paint and stickers for an original way to present gifts. Old Christmas cards can also be cut up to make great gift tags. You can get ideas from your local library,
7. Shop with friends and family and take advantage of the many bulk buy deals available at supermarkets or cash and carry stores. This is also a good time to use reward points on loyalty cards.
8. Home made presents can have a real impact on the many people really appreciate the trouble taken to make original gifts. If you are not creative try makisng tokens promising to cook a meal or spend an evening babysitting.
9. Shop around in as many different places as possible to get the best price. Including the Internet. Beware of extended warranties warranties as the cost of a repair could be less than the cost of the warranty and they often exclude cover for the things most likely to go wrong.
10. Ask the children to make a Christmas list, including one really special item that they really, really want – tell them to think about their choice carefully as that may be their main present. Young children are often they are more interested in playing with the wrapping than the gifts inside.
11. Here’s a news flash: there’s no law that says you have to send Christmas cards every year. With email, and other online options, you can lift this burden from your budget. If you would rather send Christmas cards deliver them personally or write them early and send them by 2nd class post.
12.Once Christmas is over, it’s worth looking at what went well and what didn’t go so well. Start planning how you will do things next year. Buy cards and wrapping in the sales. Look for presents throughout the year. Now is the best time to start saving for next Christmas.
