Any tips for not using a credit card at xmas?

lil_me

save-a-lot me and my sister did that when my nephew was born, Xmas and Birthdays apart from a card we only buy for the kids now, so much easier and as we both have children takes the pressure off.

When my boys do a Xmas list we also send it round the family, see what they will be getting and then look at the rest. Means they get what they like, but not necessarily all from us.

dlb

I was thinking of opening up a new account and have heard there are some that you have to give 30 days notice to withdraw.
Does anyone know which accounts these are? This would be good for me as i wouldnt be able to borrow money from the account if something came up ie bill bigger than i thought it would be.
Then i could give them 30 day notice at the beginning of sept.
Did use vouchers this year but not risking it next year.

freebie_junkie

*i buy my wrappong paper/cards/crackers etc. in the january sales

*i pick up presents all year round in sales and special offers

*i buy asda savings stamps for food, £2 per week gives me over £100 in december, plus teh bonus stamps

*i sell stuff on ebay and a lot of people pay by postal orders, these can be cashed for up to 6 montsh so i saved up all my ones i got after july and im goign to cash them in december, i have about £60 worth so far

*i take advantage of all the extra points at tesco, i only buy something if ive got a voucher for extra points otherwise i get it at asda (im a tesco tart!) and save up my points vouchers to exchane 4x teh amount for things liek a magazine subscription or blockbuster rental tokens for gifts or for restaurant vouchers for me and my oh to go out and celebrate with our mates. i also use my nectar card when i shop at debenhams and use those vouchers for food/gifts.

*i start buying bogofs at teh beginning of december, i use the 'bog' and save teh 'of', even stuff liek ectra loo roll comes in handy at christmas with all teh visitors you get!

*i get as many freebies as i can throughout teh year and also do teh click-throughs on pigsback, ive so far got enough for £20 in vouchers in only 6 months without spending 1p

*i make as much as i can, presents, food, cards etc. its usually cheaper to make your own than buy ready-made (but dont buy kits coz that will work out more expensive!)



*dont put anythign on credit cards, youll not enjoy christmas knowing you
have to pay it off all next year*

Chocmonster7

Most of the usual Banks & Bulding Societies have accounts like you are looking for, do a search on the main site to see if Martin has spotted any good deals for them.

youngie

depends howyoung your kids are young kids dont need masses of expensive prezzies just a few well chosen ones ,how about some simple things so that you spend quality time together as a family the true spirit of christmas

princess_moomoo

beanielou wrote:

Credit unions are fab & yes they are safe.
Ive saved/borrowed with one for years.
There are all different types ie where you live/work ect.

so from what i can gather you put money in as and when (weekly / monthly) and then are you allowed "your savings" whenever you want them? also you gain interest too dont you??

Chocmonster7

This site explains all about Credit Unions and lists all of the ones who are members of their regulation association.

http://www.abcul.org

parsnips

from August to december i save for xmas, then from jan to july i save for our annual holiday, so i am ALWAYS saving, and i am never tempted to spend it because i know i wouldnt want a credit card bill, and we always spend what we can afford whether its a weekend in blackpool or a week on a haven holiday, same for crimbo, the kids get what we can afford,

Discount_diva_5

I've opened a halifax children's regular saver account in my daughter's name, to save for next Christmas. It pays 10% interest and, as it's a kids' account, that's tax free! You can't withdraw from it for a year and you save a set amount each month.
If you open one now in each of your kids' names, Hopelizzy, you'll have enough for next Christmas plus great interest!

beanielou

princess_moomoo wrote:

so from what i can gather you put money in as and when (weekly / monthly) and then are you allowed "your savings" whenever you want them? also you gain interest too dont you??

Yes, thats right princess-moomoo.
i just find it helpful having the money away from my everyday money.for me its just a phone call/email away.
Ive not long finished a loan but am continuing my DD at that amount for the mo as am saving for a friends wedding.If i could get my little paws on it the mo it would be great but its that phone call / email away if that makes sense.
It works well for me anyway.
HTH