SMART SAVING

Natalie Pilkington, 37, from Manchester, reveals how she could treat her family to the Christmas they deserved

With two kids, saving for Christmas throughout the year has been brilliant – there’s no stress and no debt once December rolls around. I started putting money aside with Park Christmas Savings four years ago, after a friend recommended it to me. I now put aside £50 a month, which means I can spoil my family over the festive season.

The best bit about planning with Park is knowing you have everything planned for and prepared for in advance. This year, I was able to buy my son, 9, the present he’d always wanted – a VR headset. My daughter, 4, was equally thrilled with her princess bouncy castle. Watching them open their presents and seeing the excitement on their faces was the best present I could have asked for.

One of the best things about saving with Park are the extra perks. I couldn’t believe it at first, but I was lucky enough to be one of the ‘12 Months of Christmas’ prize draw winners. You’ll be entered automatically if you meet your target monthly payments.

I spent my winnings, a £200 voucher, at Argos, all on special presents for my partner’s birthday. What a great bonus!