3rd Time Lucky LBM :(

daviesalie_2

Harsh is what I need orange! I'm so used to spending the way I do that I can't see the wood for the trees.

Point taken about Easter and budget halved. I'm not even gonna bother with easter eggs, they're just hollow, over-priced chocolate in a load of packaging, they'll have the choice of cash or normal chocolate bars.

I'm going to use January's gift budget to get as many of next years presents as I can in the January sales. I've now budgetted £5 each for the nephews and I'm not be coming home until I've found them all presents at half price or less for £5 or under!

I'm so pleased with myself, I've gone from £1,388 to £812.50p!! £575.50p saving :O I couldn't have done it without you lot - thank you so much for taking the time to post!!

Any other suggestions gratefully received!

katsu

alie, january sales and even (if you can afford it) pre-christmas ones, are your friend. I always stock up in the sales and feel it makes a real difference.

Don't offer the kids easter cash - they don't need it! Get them a treat in the grocery budget if you want to or leave it be.

Best wishes for your sale shopping - don't forget end of season cards and wrapping paper will save you a bit of cash too!

Pollycat

That's a pretty good effort, alie.

Boots often reduce their Xmas gifts to 50% and eventually 75% off in the sales.

Check out charity shops, they often have brand new gifts that have been donated still with the price tags on.
I bought a fab Laura Ashley scarf with the tag still attached from our local hospice shop for £3.99.

Re your youngest - keep an eye out in Argos and ELC throughout the year as they sometimes do half price offers on pre-school toys.

Home Bargains is a good place for toys too, I bought my nephew some GX Racer cars for £1.99 back in the summer - price in Skegness Co-op was £9.99.

Like a lot of people, I buy gifts throughout the year, sometimes I know who they're for, sometimes I'll decide later.
BUT - keep a list of what you've bought and for whom AND don't forget where you've put them.

Good luck.

Verbatim

cheap-family-recipes.org.uk/christmas

Hi I've just been looking at this site which has meal plans for Christmas and rest of the time too to feed a family of 4 for £100 a month, yes month. Could be worth a look to start the new year off with an extra debt busting bang with savings from the grocery budget.

I hope it goes well and good luck with selling the caravan.

daviesalie_2

Thanks Verbatim, I'll have a look at that site now - I'm up for the challenge!