Pay all your essential bills… like rent, mortgage, power, phone
Stick to your budget limits- decide how much money you have to cover all your holiday needs
Take time NOW to think about the Christmas you can afford and plan ahead
Write out your list- who gets gifts and set cost limits, what parties you may have to attend and what special meals you have planned
Gift buying at the last minute can lead to over-spending
Think about the income – Remember the holiday pay and advanced benefit payments have to stetch at a time when despite all plans there will be unexpected extra costs.
Be honest with yourself about affordability of repayments if you use your credit card.
Get creative with presents what can you make, what do you have sitting in your cupboard unused, that some one on your list may appreciate or need. Vouchers for child minding, lawn mowing.
Share the workload and costs for Christmas meals.
Check out free holidays activities
