GET SMART - A little planning goes a long way when Christmas shopping.
CHRISTMAS is a joyous time, but the lead-up to festive season can be stressful and stretch your finances.
Here are 12 tips for Christmas, from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's MoneySmart website on how to spread Christmas cheer without blowing your budget.
- Make a list and check it twice - Make lists of the things you need to buy such as presents and food. A list will help plan your spending and keep you on track. With gifts, list who you're buying for and think about how much you're allocating for each person. For larger lifts consider using lay-by. If you're driving somewhere for Christmas, think about what day is best to fill up on petrol and do it the week before Christmas. Agree a present limit with friends and family to set a limit on how much you will spend on each other.
- Hunt for Christmas bargains - Check advertising catalogues and online offers. Remember some stores match or beat competitors' deals. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount! Check out discount outlet shopping centres, factory seconds stores or second-hand retailers. But check terms and conditions in case you can't return the item. Refer to the ACCC's rules on refunds and returns.
- Be a scrooge online - There might still be time to buy last-minute gifts online shopping. Do a web search for discount or coupon codes you can use at the checkout. Look at the sales section of retailers' websites and look for days when they offer free shipping. Check the website for delivery dates to make sure your presents arrive before Christmas Day and also check shipping costs when comparing prices. You can sometimes prepay and pickup items instore, saving on delivery costs.
- Go social - Also check out any exclusive offers on retailers you follow on social media, such as Facebook. See the ACCC's SCAMwatch website for tips on how to pick and online shopping scam.
- Use rewards points - If you have a rewards card that you've been using throughout the year to collect points, Christmas is a great time to cash them in. Check your balance and see what you can get.
- Get creative with Christmas gift hacks - Give a gift of food, such as a special homemade jam, chocolates or decorative cookies. If you're crafty you could make a personalised gift such with stuff you already have. Save on wrapping by using brown paper and string. If you have kids get them to decorate it with drawings and stickers.
- It's all about the experience - Create a coupon a friend or family member can redeem at a later date, such as a free massage or babysitting. Alternatively give an experience such as a picnic, or a dinner date at home. And instead of mailing out Christmas cards, why not record a video message and email it, for a fun personal touch.
- Shop like you're Santa - Be prepared. Set a time limit on your shopping and shop at odd hours and extended trading times when it's less crowded. Limit your shopping locations and only go to shops that you need to, so you don't get distracted and impulse buy.
- Track your spending - You can use the ASIC's TrackMySpend app to nominate a spending limit for different types of Christmas expenses and track your progress while you shop.
- Give to those less fortunate - Consider donating to charity this Christmas. As well as money, they may also accept household items, clothes and groceries, or you could volunteer your time to help out.
- Tis in season - If hosting Christmas Day, plan your menu with in-season produce as it's usually cheaper and fresher. If you can buy in bulk and freeze or store in the lead up to Christmas. Share the load and ask others to bring or make something.
- Plan for next Christmas - Once this one's all wrapped up, plan for next year. Start saving now, maybe open a high interest account and contribute a small amount every month. Shop the sales and pre-plan larger gifts and lay-by to pay them off over time.
