| It is well known that most people spend far too much | | | | the internet. |
| during Christmas, but with a little imagination and | | | | 6) Instead of just thinking Christmas money saving you |
| budgeting you can still enjoy Christmas on a budget. | | | | could instead spread the cost by arranging for a |
| Here are 10 top Christmas money saving tips to help | | | | special treat in the New Year. Good examples include |
| you enjoy the holiday season without the worry of | | | | going for a meal to a fancy restaurant, making a trip or |
| being hit with a huge credit card bill in January. | | | | evening at the theatre. You can wrap a memento of |
| 1) If children are demanding the latest expensive 'must | | | | the proposed teat and give it as the present to retain |
| have' gift and you can't afford it, you should start to | | | | the excitement during Christmas. |
| manage their expectations well in advance. This will let | | | | 7) Home-made treats are another way to save |
| them know what is possible and prompt them to make | | | | money and fill stomachs. Making jam, cooking special |
| more realistic Christmas lists. | | | | cakes, shortbread biscuits or just gingerbread men you |
| 2) If money is tight you can have an agreement that | | | | will be showing off your culinary skills and creating a |
| only the children receive gifts. Sort the kids you want | | | | point for discussion. |
| to buy something for into groups, such as siblings, or | | | | 8) Make sure you check out Christmas money saving |
| nieces and nephews, and decide a budget for each | | | | deals on the internet. The internet has revolutionised |
| category. | | | | shopping making it easier to compare prices and is |
| 3) Set your budget for presents and leave your credit | | | | frequently cheaper than buying on the High Street. |
| card at home, draw your cash and deal in cash only | | | | 9) You can shop for good-as-new items in car boot |
| for each shopping trip. Let's face it if you don't have | | | | sales, charity shops and local papers but you will find a |
| the money with you, you can't spend it. | | | | greater selection on the internet. Look for specific |
| 4) When on a tight budget, there is no need for buying | | | | items at sites like Amazon and auction sites like e-bay |
| wrapping paper that will be ripped and thrown away at | | | | for nearly new unwanted gifts. If you are selective |
| first instance. You can buy a dozen sheets of colourful | | | | about the quality, the goods can be as good as new. |
| tissue paper instead which is easier to dispose of and | | | | 10) Make use of discount vouchers and money off |
| much better for the environment. Also don't buy gift | | | | coupons available from dedicated websites, |
| tags but instead recycle old Christmas cards by cutting | | | | newspaper and magazine adverts, leaflets or flyers. |
| around the main image, punching a hole and adding | | | | One of the best ways for Christmas money saving |
| some ribbon. | | | | online is discount voucher codes sites which entitle |
| 5) Christmas cards can be quite costly to buy and | | | | online shoppers to money off, or some other incentive |
| post especially with loved ones abroad. Instead you | | | | such as free delivery and it all helps to stretch the |
| can send free internet cards through various sites on | | | | budget further. |