Yule keep control of finances by budgeting wisely

HASTY shoppers need to take a deep breath and plan before they spend in the final weeks before Christmas.

December is undoubtedly the most expensive time of year for households and costs can quickly blow out as money is splashed on gifts, parties, meals and summer getaways.

So with minimal time left until December 25 arrives, Rising Tide Financial Services’ director Matt Hale urged Australians to take stock of their finances before spending up during the next fortnight.

“Christmas is close enough now so you can work out what your cashflow is like for the rest of the month,” he said. “You might need to make some cuts.”

But he urged shoppers – before opening their wallets – to take time to research their costs and check ways that they

GETAWAYS over the Christmas period often leave us with wounded wallets once we enter the new year.

After we’ve ticked gifts, food and alcohol off the shopping list it’s then on to dealing with the costs of a planned festive getaway.

Regardless of whether it’s a trip locally, interstate or internationally, the costs quickly rack up.

While I love a mini Christmas getaway, it usually involves getting in the car and driving a few hours or heading interstate – nothing too lavish can could cut back on spending. Mr Hale warned people not to get sucked into buying things for themselves when hitting the stores.

“Don’t buy anything personal,” he said. “When I was doing my Christmas shopping I swear people were buying more for themselves than everyone else. Wait until after Christmas.

“Have your shopping list and just buy what’s on there. You shouldn’t buy personal stuff.”

While it’s tempting to put items on credit – including credit cards or buy now, pay later schemes such asAfterpay Zip Pay, Open Pay and Humm – this can leave you saddled with debt in 2020.

Woolworths director of fresh food Paul Harker urged shoppers to check brochures to see what specials popped up, to help them save.

“Look up online – you can see half-price costs that can help balance the shop,” he said.

“People should also be careful with how much food you need.

“There’s some big-ticket items like ham, but you can get a full leg of ham, a half leg of ham or a quarter leg of ham.

“Be conscious of how many people you are feeding.”

PERSONAL FINANCE WRITER ‘I swear people were buying more for themselves than everyone else’ Rising Tide Financial Services’ director Matt Hale

Mr Harker encouraged shoppers to consider the Odd Bunch range, which could save customers between 20 and 30 per cent on odd-shaped or imperfect fruit or vegetables. you’re hosting lunch, ask guests to bring a plate of food.

If it’s not too late, cut people off your present list if possible – and acceptable.

Always go shopping with a list.

He also suggested sharing the burden of hosting Christmas by encouraging guests to take on the responsibility of bringing some part of the meal.