A helping hand this Christmas

Are you feeling under financial stress this Christmas? There are things you can do now to make it easier this year and for Christmases to come.

You are not alone. Many people in our community are struggling with the cost of living at this time of the year. Anglicare’s team of financial counsellors can help you to manage the expensive Christmas season. They can sit down with you and draw up a budget that you can stick to.

Here are some simple tips from team member, Fiona:

Budget, budget, budget: Have a set amount to spend per person and don’t spend any more.

Try Secret Santa. Draw a name out of a hat and only buy for that one person. A spending limit is useful here, too. You could make it $10 so that people get creative and make their own gifts or offer something from their garden.

Op shops are a treasure trove for Christmas gifts (and decorations). Think of your purchases as ‘pre-loved’ rather than ‘second-hand’. Many shops have a ‘new’ section. If you’re crafty, embroider a plain clothing item or upcycle a piece of furniture so that it reflects a child’s favourite interest.

Re-discover the benefits of layby.  Everyone used layby before the introduction of ‘buy now pay later’ products, and the major stores still offer it.  It’s a much better way to make regular, affordable payments on an item – and the store will keep it for you until Christmas.

Remember the old Christmas Club passbook accounts? The beauty of them was that you couldn’t access them until just before Christmas. Some banks and credit unions still offer modern versions of accounts like these, but you can ask any institution you bank with to set up an account that you can’t access online. They will arrange an automatic fortnightly debit of as little as $5 from your everyday account. Look for an account with good interest if you can, but even without interest, you’ll be surprised at how quickly it grows

And finally, talk to your older children so that they have a realistic picture about what will be under the tree on Christmas morning. Remember, the time you spend with them is far more valuable than a gift, even though it might not feel like it at the time.

Do you need support?

Anglicare’s financial counselling service is friendly and professional, confidential and FREE. We give you the tools to take back control of your finances.

Click here for how to contact Anglicare over the Christmas – New Year period.  

You can also reach Anglicare’s financial counselling service via the National Debt Helpline on freecall 1800 007 007 between Monday to Friday.

The Australian Government’s Moneysmart website is another excellent source of information about budgeting.

Spreading the message of hope

It is heartening to see the community’s generous response to Anglicare’s Christmas Appeal this year.

Parishes from around the state, schools, and kind-hearted small businesses and community members all came together to help us bring hope to the people we support at a time of year that many people find challenging.

Our frontline workers see people who can’t afford adequate housing, the medicines and healthcare they need, or to put good food on their tables. They’ve been unable to buy Christmas gifts for their children or afford transport to attend a family gathering.

“We received a mountain of festive foods, toiletry essentials and money this Christmas, and it is a privilege to distribute it to people all around the state,” said Anglicare’s Community Development Worker Margaret Savage.

Anglicare is also very grateful to receive funds through the annual ABC Giving Tree Appeal.

In 2025 we will use the money to put on special Christmas-themed lunches for people living at the supported accommodation complexes we manage around the state.  Many residents – ranging in age from teenagers through to people in their 70s and 80s – don’t have the option to spend the day with family and friends and appreciate the opportunity to celebrate with their neighbours, together.

“We feel it’s important to give people agency and choice in their lives,” explained Margaret. “We are giving money to parents so that they can choose a special gift for their child or children. Others are delighted to be able to purchase the food they want to eat and share with others on Christmas day.

“We are deliberately setting aside a substantial amount of the Giving Tree funds for families with young children,” she said. “We will purchase items such as back packs, lunch boxes, drink bottles, stationery and clothing so that they leap into learning in the New Year.”