'Tis the season to get a bit carried away with your spending but that doesn't mean you can’t also be smart with your money.
Gifts, decorations and plenty of merry food and drink - it all adds up. But by putting a few clever budgeting tips in place, it’s entirely possible to have yourself a savvy little Christmas without compromising on any of the festive cheer.
Make a list, check it twice
There’s something about Christmas shopping that evokes a sense of panic. Maybe it is the crowds, maybe it is the repetitive jingles playing in-stores or maybe it is the sheer thought of getting every important person in your life a gift at the exact same time!
Try to avoid stress shopping by making a plan beforehand. Make a list of everyone you want to buy a gift for when you are chilled out on your couch at home, enjoying a warm beverage. It’s easy to forget who you have bought for when you are trying to navigate through an overcrowded department store. Make a list of people then assign potential gift ideas and budgets to each person and cross off as you go. You can even prioritise the list, by shopping for those closest to you first, so for example, maybe you shop for your immediate family members in week 1. That way you have shorter deadlines for gift buying that are more manageable than the thought of EVERYONE'S presents and one deadline of December 25!
Having a plan, even a loose one, can save you stress and money.
Timing is key to bag the bargains
Timing is key. Particularly around Cyber Monday and Black Friday, you may find that some gifts you’ve been eyeing up are reduced in price.Keep an eye on what’s expected to be reduced and get ready to pounce on these flash sale days.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something that’s omitted from these offers, do your research before you commit to paying. Online deals, voucher codes and daily offers exist aplenty around this time of the year, so get cracking as early as you can.
Online shopping makes it easier to compare the same item at different stores without the legwork of having to go into dozens of shops.
If you want to go full bargain hunter on the matter, consider setting up Google alerts for particular items to track their pricing in the lead up to Christmas.
Take advantage of loyalty cards
You’ve spent all year accumulating a bountiful supply of points or stamps, so now’s the time to splurge. Check what you’ve accrued and use it to treat yourself or others at a low (or no) cost.
If your purse or wallet is lacking in loyalty cards, don’t worry. Most come in app form nowadays, so you’ve no excuse to miss out on those precious points every time you shop at your favourite places.
Vouchers, codes, stamps and free gifts come in handy at Christmas, so save them up during the year and use them when they matter the most.
Try to set a budget, not just for presents
It can feel like a bit of a buzzkill, but allocating a certain amount of money for the holiday season can help you avoid falling into the trap of overspending.
It involves a bit of groundwork first, by taking a look at your income versus outgoings and then taking any savings into account.
Figure out the exact amount overall that you can afford to part ways with during the Christmas period and then divide it up into each category (presents, nights out, transport, spontaneous fancy hot chocolates, etc). Be as strict as you can with yourself and try to stay on track, without turning into a total Grinch, if possible.
If you find that you are heading over budget as the festive period progresses, know that there are ways to stretch out the spending beyond the busiest time of the year. Why not look into paying for certain things in installments to lessen the spending load over several months?
An Post Money has just launched their brand new An Post Money Flex Credit Card, with its lowest rate on purchases**, just in time for Christmas.
You also can also transfer cash from your credit card to your current account when you need it, fee-free with the An Post Money Flex Credit Card.
An Post Money's suite of credit cards now includes the 'Flex' and the 'Classic' to help you spend sensibly this festive season. The An Post Money Classic Credit Card offers Ireland's best Balance Transfer offer* of 0% interest on credit card Balance Transfers for 12 months and also up to 56 days' interest free if you pay your bill on time and in full each month.
For more information and full terms and conditions see here.
* Information correct as of 15th November 2021 and not subject to salary restrictions, source CCPC.ie. Standard variable rate of 22.9% APR will apply once the balance transfer promotional period ends. 22.9% APR assumes that you draw your entire credit limit in one transaction using your card for a period of one year, and repay in 12 equal instalments, the principal plus the respective interest amounts (if your credit limit has not yet been finalised, we have assumed that it will be €1,500), and Government stamp duty of €30 on the card is charged, the total amount you would have to pay would be €1,666.50. Cost of credit €136.50.
** Rate is based on your financial profile and credit history.
® Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Avantcard DAC trading as Avant Money is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. An Post acts as a credit intermediary on behalf of Avantcard DAC, who provide loan and credit card services and facilities.
An Post trading as An Post Money is authorised as a credit intermediary by The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
