I totally get it – Christmas can be such a strain on the budget! A few things that help me save throughout the year are meal planning and making bigger portions to freeze, so there’s less temptation for takeout on busy days. Also, I keep an eye on cashback apps and rewards programs – they add up faster than I expected. For gifts, I try to buy things on sale throughout the year or make a list of ideas early so I can watch for deals. And one small trick: I always move any leftover change from my bank account into a savings account on payday – even if it’s just a few dollars, it’s nice to see it grow over time.

I start early ….like months earlier and pay them off then pick them up before christmas ensuring I take advantage of sales and shop around online to find products cheaper store to store.

Really think about what you’re spending your money on. Do you really need that or do you just want it? It helps curb my spending

I find keeping a budget is a big help, without it i dont know how we would have gotten through the last year. It has been very hard. Hopefully this new year is better for everyone.

right before you do the big shop, insist on using up absolutely everything in the cupboard!
if things are getting tighter, perhaps asking for gift vouchers over presents would help a little. Its tough some years mumma, but the memories you can make are truly priceless

Woolies bank for Xmas! We signed up for the extra prog and we have saved so much.

We’ve also allocated a certain amount per person, and put away a small amount per week to make it easier for Xmas time.

Stock up when supermarkets have specials.

I always try to buy basics (groceries) when half price and stock up.

I use cash back apps a lot of the time then I save the the money until Christmas so I have less to pay for out of my own money.
I also usual just buy things when they’re on sale or half price.

Weve been trying to cut costs for the past few weeks by doing the following:

Cheaper alternative nappies for day time use and our usual huggies just for night.

Trying to do all our washing once kids have gone to bed as our rates are cheaper later at night.

Bulk meal cooking like pasta bakes, fried rice and such that we will all eat.

Trying to buy supermarket own brands that are cheaper have also helped us. We would love to support local but sadly just can not afford it.

I always buy our regular grocery items when they are on special and stock up with a few. I have one shelf in the fridge for leftovers so everyone knows they need using and there is less wastage.

Never paying full price for anything! If you find something you like always google it because chances are you can get it at a better price.

ShopBack and Cashrewards are also huge money savers all year round with their upsizes.

We save all of our flybuys and Woolies rewards throughout the year to help come Christmas time.
Purchasing what gifts you can throughout the year when the big sales are on or when gift cards come on sale/booster point rewards we purchase these to then use later in the year for presents.
Surveys can also be a big help.

Look at secondhand shops as sometimes people donate new things.

Collect flybuys and safe for Christmas instead of the $10 off.
Start a piggy bank and put any coins & cash you can miss in there throughout the year
Start budgeting and add it to your budget list