Are you prepared for Christmas?

Christmas can be challenging if you are on a low or fixed income, particularly in light of the worsening cost-of-living crisis. But there are things you can do to make it a time of celebration with friends and family without risking over-spending and carrying debt into the New Year.

“A simple approach is often the best,” says Lynne Watson, our Senior Program Manager for Financial Resilience and Wellbeing in the North. “At the end of the day, it’s spending time with the people we love that is most important at Christmas time.”

Here are 5 simple tips to help you manage your Christmas spending:

1. Set a budget, make a list and stick to it.  Speak to your family to set out how you wish to celebrate Christmas and how much you can afford to spend this year. Setting a budget ahead of time is the key to not overspending. Work out how much to spend on decorations, gifts, and food and drinks. It’s only a bargain if you can afford it – and don’t be tempted to put your purchases on a Buy Now Pay Later card.
2. Create a meal plan. The Christmas meal can be a big expense item. A meal plan that includes a menu and a budget will help you and your family have a delicious and affordable meal and avoid food waste. If you are sharing the costs and responsibilities for food purchases and preparation with other people, share your meal plan in advance. This helps to reduce the risk of misunderstandings about who is doing what.
3. Upcycle last year’s decorations.  Do you already have a tree, decorations and lights from last year that you can reuse or upcycle? Can you encourage your children or grandchildren to get into the Christmas spirit and ask them to make some homemade decorations? This will add a lovely personal touch and save some dollars at the same time.
4. Get creative when giving Christmas gifts. Speak to your family about a Christmas gift approach that is fun and thoughtful while still staying affordable. Here are some ideas:
   • Set a gift value limit for everyone, e.g. $20 per person.
   • Set a limit on the number of gifts per person. Secret Santa is a great idea for adults and children alike. That way each person is in charge of buying one gift for one other person only. You could also consider forgoing gifts for adults altogether.
   • Have everyone agree to only give homemade gifts this year.
5. Buy ahead. Shop in advance and take advantage of any pre-Christmas sales or online deals. This can include items for your Christmas meal. Some items can be stored in your pantry or freezer until you need them; just make sure to check the use-by date on the products you purchase. If you are catering for a large party for your Christmas meal, try wholesale supermarkets and supermarket brands like ‘No Frills’ that can be bought in bulk at a lower price.

Speak with a financial counsellor

Did you know that Anglicare’s financial counsellors operate the National Debt Helpline in Tasmania? Contact them on the free-call number 1800 007 007. Their advice is professional, friendly – and FREE!

Learn more about Anglicare’s financial counselling service here.

Help us help Tasmanians in need this Christmas

Anglicare’s Christmas Appeal provides additional support to those Tasmanians engaged with our services. Find out how you can contribute here.