Christmas is coming, the account is running low....

Alleycat

Hi all,

Apologies if I am repeating anyone, but thought I would pass on a fab tip I snatched from another board!

To make the month of December that bit easier, add up all your bills/debts/outgoings over the course of a month, divide by 11 and if you can, save this amount each month. Hey presto, in December next year all your expenses are covered and all your incomings are all yours!! Yippeee!! :j

:beer:

Alley

JAMIEDODGER

sounds like a great idea, one i may think about starting in january, cheers:)

Avogirly

Yeah me too. The only problem I would have is that if I saved up all my money so December was mine, I'd put it towards my debt anyway, cos I'd feel guilty if I didn't!

Bargain_Rzl

Or you could just put a certain amount aside each month earmarked specifically for Christmas. You could end up spending more than you might otherwise have done if the figure you're using (debt repayments/outgoings/bills) exceeds the amount you might otherwise be inclined to spend on Christmas. E.g. my monthly bills are about £112, and let's say I have debt repayments of £300 a month (I don't!) - that would mean I would end up with £412 to spend in December when really I only need the £300 I amass by putting aside £25 a month.

tattooed_lady

I saved £300 this year for Xmas by putting aside money monthly and I'm so pleased with myself as it's the first year I've been properly organised. Will start again in Jan without fail and hopefully save more this time

halloweenqueen_2

Good idea, as I can start in January very soon its an idea I think I will try and do. I will gather together all my bills from this year and try and budget. I usually try and scrimp through november and pay extra to take the heat of a bit as MR HQ has two weeks off unpaid for the xmas holiday.

Maz6

a brilliant idea which my sister told me about is high street gift vouchers which you can get from https://www.parks.co.uk and you can spend them in most high st shops

You pay for them each month throughout the year and theyare sent to you just before Christmas - I opaid £20 per month Jan - Oct and so have £200 towards christmas presents

halloweenqueen_2

Its a good idea if you would spend the money otherwise!

taplady

Maz6 wrote:

a brilliant idea which my sister told me about is high street gift vouchers which you can get from https://www.parks.co.uk and you can spend them in most high st shops

You pay for them each month throughout the year and theyare sent to you just before Christmas - I opaid £20 per month Jan - Oct and so have £200 towards christmas presents

I do the same thing but with Family Hampers (https://www.familyhampers.co.uk) and its a great way of saving, I cant dip into it if things get tight and I have the satisfaction of knowing I have all my pressie money sorted by November! :j

Bendybops19

Fab idea Alleycat! Cheers for that

Alleycat

I'm glad you all like the idea!! I always find that no matter how organised I am and how many good intentions I have on not spending too much there is always something I have forgotten about and by having some money put aside I think will make all the difference next year. I am really trying to get on top of my debt and although I would be inclined to want to put anything I was saving towards paying some of it off, it would be great to know that December wouldn't be nearly as tight as it usually is.

I don't spend a lot compared to lots of people but it can still mount up and with my dd's birthday in January I reckon its going to be a pretty expensive time next year.