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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!

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Posted by Kymichelle, 31st October 2014