WITH Christmas less than 100 days away, now is the time to get your budget in order.
Focus on what you can afford and follow these simple tips to enjoy the festive season without overspending.
7
BASIC BUDGET: Christmas is just one day, and it’s better to spend only what you can afford — even if that means cutting back — than to go big and be left broke.
Make a list of all your expected holiday expenses — gifts, food, travel — and check it twice, of course.
Then divide costs across the remaining weeks.
ON POINT: Make daily spending work for you in the run-up to Christmas. On your weekly big shop, collect loyalty points and check your supermarket’s app for extra savings.
The Asda Rewards app, for example, offers weekly Star Products that earn you extra money, while the Nectar app offers weekly savings based on your previous Sainsbury’s shops.
Don’t forget to check your bank account for offers, too. NatWest’s Rewards account includes up to ten per cent off your first Uber Eats order, and Monzo offers weekly cashback offers. This week, you can get two per cent cashback on purchases at Boots.
SMART SAVING: Set up a separate savings account for Christmas expenses and arrange small, regular, automatic transfers into it. Use round-up features on your bank account, which automatically save the change from purchases. It’s a simple way to build your festive fund.
PRESENCE OVER PRESENTS: Discuss cutting back with loved ones. Consider alternatives like Secret Santa, opting for thoughtful gifts only for close family or children, or donating to a charity instead.
GAME ON: Small sacrifices now can lead to big savings by Christmas. Try cutting out one visit a week to Costa Coffee or downloading voucher apps such as GreenJinn, which offers supermarket freebies. Little lifestyle adjustments add up.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
7
ARRANGE your living room around this stylish Sydney oak-and-rattan coffee table – previously £169, now £99 at very.co.uk.
SAVE: £70
Cheap treat
7
FILL up lunchboxes fast with a pack of Alpen strawberry and yoghurt cereal bars – normally £2, currently £1.25 at Morrisons.
SAVE: 75p
What’s new?
EXPRESS card members can now get ten per cent cash back every time they book a range of attractions, such as Silverstone Museum and the London Eye as part of new Amex Days Out.
See americanexpress.com for more details.
Top swap
7
7
CREATE salon-quality hair styling in a flash with the Color Wow Speed Dry blow-dry spray, £17.20 from justmylook.com, or the Stun Flash spray at Poundland, is similar for £2.50.
SAVE: £14.70
Little helper
TREAT yourself to new underwear by heading to the Boux Avenue sample sale, September 28-29, at the Custard Factory, Birmingham. Prices start at £3. Find out more at bouxavenue.com/sample-sale.html
Shop & save
7
STOCK up on Tetley teabags at Asda – a bumper 400-pack was £8.25 but is now £6.50, plus get 50p in your Asda Cashpot.
SAVE: £1.75
Hot right now
TAKE the train from London Paddington to Heathrow Airport in 15 minutes on the Heathrow Express and get tickets for £10 each way when booked 60 days ahead of travel.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
7
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!