SAVE $$$ THIS CHRISTMAS!

Act now to lower your bills this yuletide season

HAVE A PRE-CHRISTMAS CLEAN-UP

Want a bit of quick spending money before Christmas? Do a spring clean and sell any unwanted items that might be collecting dust. The rewards here are two-fold – you declutter and you get valuable spare cash for spending on your loved ones.

LOOK FOR BARGAINS NOW Take advantage of any retail sales well before the countdown to Christmas. Sign up to email newsletters from retailers you love and snap up gifts for less. You’ll also help spread your budget over a longer term. Plus, you’ll avoid costly and last-minute panic buying come mid-december.

DELEGATE

Do you find yourself hosting the family Christmas every year – and spending more than anyone else? If you plan to play host again, now is the time to act! Organise a roster – delegate the seafood to cousin Clare, the decorations to sister Melanie and the beer to brother Peter. Everyone needs to chip in!

WORDS OF WISDOM

There’s nothing worse than must-pay bills coming in around Christmas. But there can be a silver lining. When it’s time to renew your insurance, it’s important to take the time to shop around and look for rewards. They should be working hard for your money! For example, Stella Insurance offers a no claim reward where, for every consecutive year you drive safely and don’t make a claim (or only make a not-at-fault claim), Stella will give you $100 off your basic excess for up to three years. Another bonus? They will pay up to $2000 for baby gear damaged in an accident or stolen from a car, such as prams, strollers and other essential baby items. For more info, visit

TIPS SO YOU CAN DO BETTER WITH YOUR MONEY]