Small Steps Out Of Massive Debt!

EssexHebridean

within our close family we do lists - so we each put together a list of things that we'd really appreciate - it can be stuff you just "want" or stuff you "need" - the idea being that if someone else buys you even the quite mundane stuff that you use and will need to buy otherwise, it saves your own money for doing nice things down the line. Works for us, and definitely cuts down on the "for the sake of it" presents. 

enthusiasticsaver

EssexHebridean said:

within our close family we do lists - so we each put together a list of things that we'd really appreciate - it can be stuff you just "want" or stuff you "need" - the idea being that if someone else buys you even the quite mundane stuff that you use and will need to buy otherwise, it saves your own money for doing nice things down the line. Works for us, and definitely cuts down on the "for the sake of it" presents. 

We have wish lists too and yes I agree that is better than buying tat which will either end up in the bin or charity shop.  Much to my disgust though my book club have voted for a secret santa which no doubt will be a book but unless you know what books they all have the chance of getting one they already have or don't want is quite high.  I hate secret santas with a vengeance but except for my daughters and grandchildren I am not keen on buying presents and just find it a chore.  Not keen on receiving them either so I would happily skip the present bit of Christmas. 

GeorgianaCavendish

EssexHebridean said:

within our close family we do lists - so we each put together a list of things that we'd really appreciate - it can be stuff you just "want" or stuff you "need" - the idea being that if someone else buys you even the quite mundane stuff that you use and will need to buy otherwise, it saves your own money for doing nice things down the line. Works for us, and definitely cuts down on the "for the sake of it" presents. 

Yes exactly! Some of the mundane stuff  is a great present because it means I don’t have to spend my own money on it for a couple of months. 

That or the luxury version of something I regularly buy (like coffee or olive oil) is a really nice present to receive  

GeorgianaCavendish

enthusiasticsaver said:

EssexHebridean said:

within our close family we do lists - so we each put together a list of things that we'd really appreciate - it can be stuff you just "want" or stuff you "need" - the idea being that if someone else buys you even the quite mundane stuff that you use and will need to buy otherwise, it saves your own money for doing nice things down the line. Works for us, and definitely cuts down on the "for the sake of it" presents. 

We have wish lists too and yes I agree that is better than buying tat which will either end up in the bin or charity shop.  Much to my disgust though my book club have voted for a secret santa which no doubt will be a book but unless you know what books they all have the chance of getting one they already have or don't want is quite high.  I hate secret santas with a vengeance but except for my daughters and grandchildren I am not keen on buying presents and just find it a chore.  Not keen on receiving them either so I would happily skip the present bit of Christmas. 

Have you seen the Blind Date With A Book things? I have given these as gifts (DIY version!) with great success - pick a book, wrap in brown paper and write some clues on the front. Maybe suggest that rather than a completely open Secret Santa?

enthusiasticsaver

GeorgianaCavendish said:

enthusiasticsaver said:

EssexHebridean said:

within our close family we do lists - so we each put together a list of things that we'd really appreciate - it can be stuff you just "want" or stuff you "need" - the idea being that if someone else buys you even the quite mundane stuff that you use and will need to buy otherwise, it saves your own money for doing nice things down the line. Works for us, and definitely cuts down on the "for the sake of it" presents. 

We have wish lists too and yes I agree that is better than buying tat which will either end up in the bin or charity shop.  Much to my disgust though my book club have voted for a secret santa which no doubt will be a book but unless you know what books they all have the chance of getting one they already have or don't want is quite high.  I hate secret santas with a vengeance but except for my daughters and grandchildren I am not keen on buying presents and just find it a chore.  Not keen on receiving them either so I would happily skip the present bit of Christmas. 

Have you seen the Blind Date With A Book things? I have given these as gifts (DIY version!) with great success - pick a book, wrap in brown paper and write some clues on the front. Maybe suggest that rather than a completely open Secret Santa?

That is actually a good idea and I will suggest that.  At least you might have a clue as to whether it is something you might like to read.  We all love books obviously so that is  a good start. 

GeorgianaCavendish

And it’s quite fun trying to guess what other people have got from the clues on the front. Maybe you could say to steer clear of the current best seller lists or books published in the last year (so there aren’t 10 copies of the latest best seller). And suggest gifting second hand copies so it could literally be just a couple of pounds. 

GeorgianaCavendish

Another gift idea if anyone is struggling, my family really love the Repair Shop program and over the last year have paid and organised for various things to be repaired for each other. I sorted out getting my dad’s watch repaired and a new (bigger) strap, my mum organised for my aunt’s childhood doll to be repaired and I’m hoping to get a handbag repair for Christmas  

Naomim

GeorgianaCavendish said:

Another gift idea if anyone is struggling, my family really love the Repair Shop program and over the last year have paid and organised for various things to be repaired for each other. I sorted out getting my dad’s watch repaired and a new (bigger) strap, my mum organised for my aunt’s childhood doll to be repaired and I’m hoping to get a handbag repair for Christmas  

That's a lovely idea.

EssexHebridean

GeorgianaCavendish said:

Yes exactly! Some of the mundane stuff  is a great present because it means I don’t have to spend my own money on it for a couple of months. 

That or the luxury version of something I regularly buy (like coffee or olive oil) is a really nice present to receive  

Completely this - we quite often stick foodie things on the list! 

Also love the repairs idea - that's inspired! 

GeorgianaCavendish

I’ve got COVID, feeling very sorry for myself at the moment but trying to stay positive. I’ve got all the Strictly episodes recorded so that will keep me entertained this weekend, and the weekly shop was done on Thursday so we are good for food.