Must try harder!

nannygladys

I allow a certain amount per child and adult, and then save it up in cash in family envelopes, and then I cheat and give the money for the dgc to their parents to either to get a present from me or put it towards their 'big' pressie, I do buy them all a few choccies as well. The adults have more a token gift of something small that I chose for them. But I usually start saving around June time, so I have it already! That's just me being organised, I'm not that organised with other things!!

WinterWarrior

We lowered Christmas expectations a lot a few years ago as we were just getting silly. We don’t have any children left to buy for so all just decide a present limit (and then go over it with extra bits every time). It normally ends up being about £50 in total per person, but there aren’t too many of us.
The cash envelopes sound a great idea, but sadly most has to be done online here. 

joedenise

Another here who only has adults to buy for come Christmas but we only do token presents - no more than £20 per person.  We only buy for our 2 DDs; DGD; DGS and my DSis so £100 covers the presents.

I do the same for birthdays, although that's usually more as we often go out for a meal instead of a gift so that makes it more expensive but think we're going to stop this, but we still owe our DD2 and DGS a meal out as their birthdays were during lockdown but we just haven't been able to arrange anything yet!

Baileys_Babe

We too have a savings pot ours doesn't just cover Christmas but any occasion where we would like to give a gift, birthdays, weddings, christenings ...

I have various pots for annual, regular expenses, and planned costs like a new (to us) car,  that I fill monthly. I keep these separate from our savings, at least on paper.

carolbee

I've got  lots of pots too, garden, gifts, hair, car etc. Works well for us. 

Lookafterthepennies2020

I have also broached the Xmas budget conversation yesterday with SIL.  We spent 30 per child previously, last year I got it down to 20.  I try to be very creative and put a lot of thought into my gifts so the kids are usually really pleased with that they have. On the other hand I think she has a mad dash Xmas eve and gets anything so the idea of lowering it terrifies her.

However, we have DS1&2, Oh has a daughter from a previous relationship and then we have 9 nieces and nephews between us at £20 a pop..I’ve suggested maybe £10 in cash this year (apart form the 2yo) as they are older now and can put towards things they want… she thought I was being tight lol 

WinterWarrior

Good morning and happy Saturday 🧁🍰📚🍫
No plans today, but I may make apple turnovers again if I remember to take the puff pastry out of the freezer. 

There are a few things I’ve been looking at, so it may not be an NSD. I’ll try to ponder on how much I need them and also if I should just wait a while. I will send another bit to the mortgage as I want to attempt to round it up (again!). I’ll try going under by 1p and see if that sorts out the interest issue. 

I also want to finish my book and start the next one. It is a Deadly Education that (I think) @Kakiste recommended and I’m really enjoying it. Thank you @Kakiste it is just my sort of book!
I hope you all have brilliant Saturdays with relaxing time to yourselves 🍁🎃📚☕️

WinterWarrior

@lookingafterthepennies £90 for the nieces and nephews isn’t being tight, does she realise how much it adds up to? One of my aunties used to get us a big bag of quality st misshapes as they knew someone at the factory and it was always such a memorable present! I think chocolate was less plentiful then so it made a big impression having a big bag each to ourselves. My point being that not all good presents have to cost the earth. If she doesn’t agree with money you could still stick to that budget. I know it’s really hard to dial it down without feeling mean, but your long term financial stability is important! 

Four_Seasons

I also find it much harder to save, not sure where the ex loan money disappears to each month (until the postie calls!) I am planning to set up a dd for the said amount to a savings account and not touch it!!
Have a lovely relaxing weekend x   

WinterWarrior

Four_Seasons said:

I also find it much harder to save, not sure where the ex loan money disappears to each month (until the postie calls!) I am planning to set up a dd for the said amount to a savings account and not touch it!!
Have a lovely relaxing weekend x   

I am exactly the same…I thought I’d be loaded without the payments going out, but I’m just left wondering how I managed when they were! I do shuffle the money to savings, but then slowly grab it back over the month 😖 I think next month I will try to lock out a bit less than the loan amount to savings, so I still have some extra to play with and then may feel a little less hard done to. November will be expensive anyway as I’ll try to get on top of Christmas then. 

My dog is squeaking and moaning (pathetic noises for such a large dog) as she wants to play out. Sadly that just involves me standing around while she rolls in leaves 🍁 I’d better get my coat (and kindle) 🍁📚