Christmas is an expensive time for everyone, whether you have a young family or not. Presents to get, that old friend to remember, not to mention all the food and decorations that need buying each year. It can really help to save some money around this time of year, or any time of the year at all really! Here are some great ways to save when you’re feeling the Christmas pinch. They are all easy to do, it’s just about planning and thinking up some good ideas some save you some extra pennies.
Resist Temptation!
You will have plenty of time this holiday to eat expensive chocolate, go out for a lovely meal, or buy that extra thing at the supermarket you know you love. Not giving in to these impulses until the holidays actually hit will of course save you some money. The tempting little treats are often expensive and highly priced, so save it for the big day. Supermarkets make so much money from the festive season, and so much in the run-up to it as well.
This goes for eating out and any fast food or takeaways you might get too. So many families enjoy going out for dinner around this time, and you should definitely celebrate. If an old friend is in town, or you need to go to dinner with the in-laws then you will probably have to go. If you don’t need to though, or regularly eat out, try to do it less. Eating out can be so expensive, and you be surprised how much money you can save when you don’t go out as much. Saving this extra little bit can really help your family along.
Cook Lots at a Time
Food is such a big factor in the weekly shop, and so food has come in again because there are lots of ways you can save at the supermarket by shopping in a smart way. Cooking more than you need for each meal is a great way to eat healthier, and not overbuy, or let food go to waste. It is great to have some food leftover the next day for lunch, but doing this for every meal can be really beneficial. Cooking more than you need and storing it in the fridge or freezer, means you don’t have to buy whole new ingredients for another meal.
Because you have quick healthy meals to hand you won’t be tempted to order in, or eat out, which is an added bonus. This is great if you have children, and time is really precious to you. Many people love to cook, but sometimes it is just an inconvenience. Cooking in bulk can save you time, money, and can mean eating healthier as well.
There are so many ways you can save money, and here are just a few. Preparing for every eventually is also great so you are never caught off guard, whether this is having an emergency plumber on hand or something to help defrost the car. Being prepared is the best way to save those pennies.
