More money saving ideas for this expensive time of year!

17 Comments

Not really a story, but reading other posts about money saving ways made has given me some great ideas. Being a single income family, Christmas can be challenging, so I thought I’d share a few money saving ideas that have worked for me here.

* I started the weekly money saving challenge in the first week of January and have been doing it in reverse as I find I have more cash then than now when there are so many end of year activities and costs. There have been weeks when I haven’t had the extra money so have chosen a smaller amount to put in, but it still adds up. I find this works better for me than a Christmas club, especially if I get the kids involved in putting the money in the tin each week. We put $52 the first week, then $51, $50 etc. It can be done for 6 months and you can do it fortnightly if it suits your family budget better. I’m looking forward to opening the tin in December!

*I have also save frequent shopper vouchers (Everyday rewards in other states I think they are called) and fly-buys points to use for Christmas. Instead of getting vouchers you can now elect to put Flybuys points onto your card to use in store which is great – especially for that big Christmas shop with all the extras!

*I have been buying items throughout the year on sale with certain people in mind for Christmas – mostly children as we do a secret Santa for one adult only (another great way of cutting costs and also being able to buy one special gift for one person)

*I have found lots of lovely handmade items in local markets that have cost me very little but have been made with love so make them extra special – great for those “hard to buy for” people. Facebook handmade pages also often have some excellent auctions and markets where you can find some bargains. To save costs I often get them gift wrapped and sent straight to the person I am buying them for.

*My 3 year old and I have been making wrapping paper all year – simple painting activities on either A4 paper or using cheap rolls of brown paper we got from the supermarket. Lots of fun and also makes the presents more personal.

*There are also some fantastic recipes and craft ideas here on MOM that are perfect for Christmas gifts.

We can no longer ignore it as it’s November already tomorrow!

Posted by Kymichelle, 31st October 2014

17 Comments

- - mom112217 said
  - 31 Oct 2016
    3:54 pm
Good on you for thinking ahead,Christmas time is so stressful!!!

- - mom112217 said
  - 25 Sep 2016
    2:26 pm
If i see something a family member will love l will buy it also during the year!

- - mom160421 said
  - 16 Sep 2016
    9:15 pm
I too buy things throughout the year when I find them on special.

- - mom113055 said
  - 05 Apr 2015
    12:01 pm
great exellent

- - jodiev1980 said
  - 04 Nov 2014
    11:22 pm
I so wish I had done the weekly money challenge this year. I buy presents throughout the year and put them away. I only ever buy things that are on special or clearance.

- - mom101330 said
  - 04 Nov 2014
    8:53 pm
My son and I made some gifts for our family – beach in a bottle, Hug in a mug and I do surveys during the year and give them vouchers and they love them. Thanks for your ideas.

- - mom94125 said
  - 03 Nov 2014
    1:00 am
yeah these are all great tips
- mom94125 replied
  
  16 Jun 2015 , 8:30 pm
  great tips for a lot of times actually
- - sisterhood27 said
  - 02 Nov 2014
    1:11 pm
Yes only like 7 weeks now where has the year gone

- - BellaB said
  - 01 Nov 2014
    9:02 pm
Even though I’ve been planning ahead, I still can’t believe it’s November!

- - pakeko said
  - 01 Nov 2014
    9:01 pm
A little bit over the course off a year really adds up, enjoy the savings

- - mummamj said
  - 01 Nov 2014
    8:19 am
I agree with buying from local markets and off Facebook pages for unique presents. I have found some fantastic presents not just for Christmas and I like the idea of supporting an individual/family and not always big business.

- - jessmumof3 said
  - 31 Oct 2014
    11:57 pm
November tomorrow good god

- - Kelly said
  - 31 Oct 2014
    10:45 pm
Well done on your great saving tips.
I also love saving my fly by points up and using them for the big Xmas shop

- - mom57522 said
  - 31 Oct 2014
    9:53 pm
I also like to,take advantage of the longer laybye options that are around during the mega toy sale times.

- - Mummy1214 said
  - 31 Oct 2014
    9:30 pm
Great ideas. Thanks for sharing. Another good tip is if you can access gift cards at 5% off. It may not sound like much but it will turn into huge savings over a year if you use them for your grocery shopping. Entertainment book members can access them and Union members. Possibly other avenues too.
- kymichelle replied
  
  31 Oct 2014 , 11:49 pm
  That’s a great idea about the gift cards!