Saving for Xmas 2016! - A pound a day

Ellieseleven

Westie983 wrote: »

I can sympathise with this, I will start looking from October when ill start a xmas present wish list/basket on Amazon, and add stuff I like/ and or see then I do a recki of it end of November then click buy, and the postman delivers it all to me to divide up and wrap....

Job done,

Brilliant idea Westie, I might just try this:cool:

Ellie x

Ellieseleven

Hello everyone,

I've just gone through the £500 mark and my tins are filling up bit by bit:cool:

I love Westie's idea of virtual Christmas shopping, I may have to try that one;)

Brilliant totals as usual and for anyone who thinks they are lagging behind...don't think of what you haven't saved, think of what you have. Every penny we save is a step in the right direction:)

All totals updated where requested.

Ellie xx

Westie983

Ellieseleven wrote: »

I love Westie's idea of virtual Christmas shopping, I may have to try that one;)

Its a great one, I have been doing in for a good few years all successful apart from one year when I didn't do a check of the basket and just pressed buy, and it was a surprise when the boxes started to arrive and when I finally decided to open them and start wrapping I realised I have overbought for some people and not for others, or that I would say to myself... 'who was this meant for?'

I think it started when I had my first hip operation nine years ago when I wasnt able to trek the shops, and was something to keep me busy when I was recuperating.

I am awaiting my seventh operation in nine years....

:-)

VickyA_2

Howdy everyone! Number 21 checking in after a while away from the forums. I set up a transfer for the beginning of each month so I'm now up to £275. :j :j

Signature is duly updated!

£&*£(£)*

I've noticed more than one person use the word "stress". Think about that for a moment... why are you doing something that stresses you?

I would say if you are a Christian, then expensive or elaborate gift giving is not required. If you are not Christian but getting swept up into the frenzy take a step back.

It's sometimes hard when everyone else is doing something to take a moment out and think "Why am I doing this?"

Giving gifts at that time of year is allowing the calendar to dictate your stress. An entire year of savings just for one morning... it's a lot of pressure. Also putting it in saving pots etc. is just a cheat. It's all your money wherever you put it, and it's still a lot of money you're spending and stress even if you have it in a seperate pot.

Aim for gifts instead throughout the year, random moments... 'just because'. It ultimately means something when it's spontaneous and not 'just because I have to'. Aim for experiences, or things you can enjoy together - rather than more 'stuff'. Most of us don't need more stuff! August is a great month to eat out and do stuff as there's lots of offers as it's quiet. January will be too. Of course I imagine it's harder with kids - but again now is the great time to wean them off the schedule and help them in future years as they won't feel the obligations.

I don't do any public holidays - I'll not be dictated to by the shop owners.

I'd say listen to the Minimalist podcast - it's really great, they cover gifts in particular - and will articulate some of this a lot better than me!

Westie983

hostile17 wrote: »

I've noticed more than one person use the word "stress". Think about that for a moment... why are you doing something that stresses you?

I would say if you are a Christian, then expensive or elaborate gift giving is not required. If you are not Christian but getting swept up into the frenzy take a step back.

It's sometimes hard when everyone else is doing something to take a moment out and think "Why am I doing this?"

Giving gifts at that time of year is allowing the calendar to dictate your stress. An entire year of savings just for one morning... it's a lot of pressure. Also putting it in saving pots etc. is just a cheat. It's all your money wherever you put it, and it's still a lot of money you're spending and stress even if you have it in a seperate pot.

Aim for gifts instead throughout the year, random moments... 'just because'. It ultimately means something when it's spontaneous and not 'just because I have to'. Aim for experiences, or things you can enjoy together - rather than more 'stuff'. Most of us don't need more stuff! August is a great month to eat out and do stuff as there's lots of offers as it's quiet. January will be too. Of course I imagine it's harder with kids - but again now is the great time to wean them off the schedule and help them in future years as they won't feel the obligations.

I don't do any public holidays - I'll not be dictated to by the shop owners.

I'd say listen to the Minimalist podcast - it's really great, they cover gifts in particular - and will articulate some of this a lot better than me!

With such strong views about saving for christmas and it being something you don't do, what made you comment on a thread that is obvious all about the process you so clearly don't partake in or agree with...

I understand its each to their own with opinions and views but if you don't agree with saving for christmas, why comment. **unless it is to get a reaction which I have given, so you can move on and take your views and opinions to a thread where you may get some responses and a debate if you are wanting this.

triple_choc_chip

Westie983 wrote: »

With such strong views about saving for christmas and it being something you don't do, what made you comment on a thread that is obvious all about the process you so clearly don't partake in or agree with...

I understand its each to their own with opinions and views but if you don't agree with saving for christmas, why comment. **unless it is to get a reaction which I have given, so you can move on and take your views and opinions to a thread where you may get some responses and a debate if you are wanting this.

Well said Westie, :T we don't need to be patronised by a 'prezzie warden', I expect their family are happy not to buy them anything and I'm equally happy they're not in my family.

triple_choc_chip

£3 to add for me this week, taking my total to:
#3 £582/£732
Happy weekend everyone, :cool:

nannygladys

Just a quickie, I know I haven't posted for months and months but I have been putting my £1 a day away, so not sure of the total but I am up to date until August 30th
Nannyg

Ellieseleven

Westie983 wrote: »

With such strong views about saving for christmas and it being something you don't do, what made you comment on a thread that is obvious all about the process you so clearly don't partake in or agree with...

I understand its each to their own with opinions and views but if you don't agree with saving for christmas, why comment. **unless it is to get a reaction which I have given, so you can move on and take your views and opinions to a thread where you may get some responses and a debate if you are wanting this.

Well said Westie;)

Personally, I love Christmas and enjoy buying and giving gifts but being on a tight budget means I have to save and I find this way of saving fun. I also don't dip into my pot throughout the year whereas in a savings account I might:o