Very merry ways to save
SPARE CHANGE FROM A LITTLE CREATIVITY WILL ADD UP QUICKLY TO MAKE CHRISTMAS A SPECIAL DAY
IT MAY have been a strange year for everyone, but Christmas could just be the perfect opportunity to end the year on a positive note. With many families feeling the pinch, the thought of splurging on gifts, food and decor can be stressful. But with a little creativity, it’s possible to save a tonne in time for Christmas by changing the way you shop.
I have a very keen appreciation for all things Christmas. I also have a young family, so when it comes to finding ways to save money, I’m all ears. I enlisted the help of my good friend Vanessa who is a seasoned and cheerful gifter and Christmas aficionado. Vanessa has gifts (for well over 40 people) bought months ahead. Here’s what we came up with together.
FIRST UP: USE A SEPARATE SAVINGS ACCOUNT
You’ll want to see the dollars add up to motivate you. I like to move my extra savings or income made during this time to a separate savings account and mark them “Christmas”. Any cash made as well as regular expenses that I cut I then move over to that account to see the effect.
1. SHOP FOR GROCERIES NO MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK
Committing to shopping just once a week is one of the most effective ways to save money. Create a shopping list, go once and see if you can make it through the week without returning! Check out Australia’s Best Recipes’ dinners under $15 collection for affordable dinner ideas such as the mince dish below.
2. PAY ATTENTION TO SUPERMARKET SPECIALS
When you see one of your pantry staples such as olive oil or toothpaste on sale, grab 2! Likewise, think ahead to Christmas Day and stock up early. You’ll be grateful when Christmas rolls around.
Potential savings from shopping once a week and paying attention to specials: $40 a week
3. SET UP A WEEKLY PANTRY CHALLENGE
Most households have pantries full of untouched edibles. On the last day of the week before your big grocery shop, see what you can create with your odds and ends.
Potential savings from using what you have: $10 a week
4. CHANGE THE WAY YOU EAT
Another way to save is to include a vegetarian option in the week. A good example is Meat Free Mondays. Going vegetarian just once a week is good for the budget.
Potential savings from ditching meat once a week: $10 a week
5. REDUCE TAKEAWAY
For the next nine weeks, see if you can limit the amount of food you eat out. Even cutting back on the regular daily coffee out could save you about $30 a week! Invite people to your place, put the kettle on and try your hand at your own version of your favourite cafe-style meals.
Potential savings from reducing takeaway and coffee: $40 a week
6. PLAN YOUR GIFTING
Vanessa was the ultimate font of wisdom. Her advice was to make a list of people you’re buying gifts for this year. She also likes to shop around online for the best price. She tries to buy local, and buy more than one gift at a time to save on shipping costs. When she sends gifts overseas, she sends it directly from the store to their address to avoid paying for shipping twice.
7. DITCH THE EXPENSIVE PACKAGING
I like to buy a bulk roll of thick, recycled kraft paper online as well as a bulk roll of ribbon and double-sided tape. This saves me both time and money in the long run.
8. GIVE THE GIFT OF HOMEMADE
I will often bake gifts to give away to school teachers and neighbours. A bulk batch of handcrafted cookies can be dressed up beautifully and cost less than $5 per person. When you order your gift wrap online, add a few cake or cookie boxes to your cart. They can be found for about $2 a box.
9. DECLUTTER AND SELL WHAT YOU DON’T NEED
Getting in touch with your inner en-trepreneur can be fun and an excel-lent way to build up that piggy bank nk in time for Christmas.
Have a look around the house. Get the kids involved. Pull out items ms you no longer need but that someone else might enjoy. Sign up to your local online Marketplace or Buy, Swap, Sell platform and see what you can clear out and make some cash. If you take good photos of your items, list them for reasonable prices with good descriptions, you’ll be in an excellent position to make a sale.
Potential savings from decluttering: $10 a week
10. RECYCLE EMPTY CANS AND BOTTLES
An easy way to make a few extra bucks is to get involved in the NSW government’s Return and Earn initiative. Recycle empty cans and bottles at designated return points in exchange for 10c per piece. See if extended family members or friends wouldn’t mind you collecting theirs as well.
11. MONETISE YOUR SKILLS
Many of us have extra expertise in specific areas and offering those skills for a price might be the perfect boost toward your savings goal. Could you offer tutoring skills in a specialised subject? Or perhaps you’re competent in certain household tasks or trades. You could consider signing up to Airtasker to see if your skills are in need.
12. CANCEL OLD SUBSCRIPTIONS
See if you have any paid subscriptions that have been sneakily coming out of your account that you can do without. Things such as dormant gym memberships can cost you about $1000 a year, and little things such as entertainment services or extra add-ons on your phone can add up.
Potential savings from removing old subscriptions: $5 a week
TOTAL POTENTIAL SAVINGS PER WEEK: $115 TOTAL POTENTIAL SAVINGS BY THE TIME CHRISTMAS ARRIVES: $1035
There you have it — some practical ways to loosen up the spare change fund in time for the big day. In a nutshell, think ahead, shop smart and shop less; eat smart and at home, create a little side hustle and get rid of the extras. If you can manage to do a few of these, no doubt you’ll be well on your way to having yourself a merry little Christmas this year!