It’s the festive season of the year again and if you’re not careful you will be unable to control Christmas spendings for yourself and your loved ones.
We all plan to go shopping, not just for ourselves alone but for friends and family. And it can be easy to go overboard with our expenses even after planning and budgeting.
So here are some realistic ways you can cut costs and control unnecessary Christmas spendings;
Set Holiday Spending Limits
Give your credit card and your mind a holiday by limiting what you buy to what can safely come out of your bank account, Don’t break your account on gifts, please!
And you should know the money you spend on gifts should be different from the money for bills. That said, if you want to have a little more to spend, this doesn’t have to be just the money left over at the end of the month.
You can also use funds you would normally spend elsewhere, such as on your morning coffee. As long as you are using cash without spending your rent money, you are doing great.
Make Your Own Naughty or Nice List
Santa has to buy presents for the whole world but as a Nigerian! you don’t. If your shopping list includes more than five people outside of your immediate family, start cutting it asap.
This helps you control Christmas spendings that are not necessary.
Be Realistic About Your Budget
Don’t compare yourself with your rich aunty that gives Versace bags as gifts to everyone knowing full well you have just a 50,000 naira budget for gifts.
If you have any doubts as to whether those on your list will appreciate the less expensive presents you buy them, think back to what your friends and family gave to you when their budgets were tighter.
There’s no doubt that you’ll both be better friends in the new year if you’re not creating debt loads for each other this year.
Give the Gift of Your Time
Mom and dad might love nothing more than a visit from you.
Most times a presence of a friend or sibling is much more appreciated than gifts, especially if they haven’t seen you in a while. Think about it
Provide Personalized Gifts
A small, thoughtful gift is worth more than an expensive gift that someone may never use.
Avoid the impulse to shop at trendy stores and start the holiday by taking a moment to think about what those on your list could use.
I know it’s the festive period and we are all excited but let’s learn to control Christmas spendings and splurge money with caution.
