Prepare yourself… January is coming
The festive season is upon us, let the shopping spree begin! After all, what is the holiday period all about if not for splurging out money in bucket loads as we celebrate Christmas festivities and New Year parties?
Once the dust has settled, all the gifts have been bought and parties attended, January leaves people feeling gloomy as they scrounge around for cash to survive until pay day.
No pay day seems more distant than the one at the end of January.
Here are a few tips that could help you survive the financial woes that so often burdens people in the New Year:
Budget, budget and budget:
A lack of budgeting is one of the biggest contributing factors for a dismal January.
Budget for your usual monthly finances, before moving onto your festive shopping budget.
It is important to plan the festive shopping budget carefully and it is imperative not to go overboard.
With stores now advertising their Christmas specials, shopping for discounts has never been easier.
Buying gifts:
Christmas gifts add to the magic of this festive day. However, buying gifts can be a costly endeavour.
To save money, try and focus on buying gifts for the children in your immediate family; after all, the magic of Christmas touches them more than adults.
Gifts don’t have to be expensive, as young children are often captivated more by the idea of getting gifts, than the cost.
No children and want to spoil your significant other? Try and get a smaller gift that holds significance to both of you, instead of getting something elaborate.
After all, it is the thought that counts.
Putting money aside:
Most companies give their employees a yearly bonus in December.
If you are one of the fortunate, instead of dashing to the malls while in the throes of heated shopping madness, try and put a quarter of your bonus away.
This might sound a bit much, as you have worked mighty hard for this extra cash, but it will help in January when the financial constraints kick in and that little bit of cash will come in handy when buying food in the last week of January.
Christmas lunches and New Year braais:
Instead of catering to the masses that are family and friends, get everyone to bring something with.
Not only will this help you save the ordeal of tackling the queues at supermarkets, but will also help save cash and ensure that everyone’s tastes are catered for.
Holiday trips:
Dashing away to the coast or some other holiday destination is the perfect getaway for many during the festive period.
As relaxing as it might be, the cost can leave you wondering why they you chose to go away during peak holiday season.
Try and save for at least four months before going away to your favoured holiday destination. This will help ensure that your salary is not burdened by the extra strain of holiday costs.
If you haven’t saved, KwaZulu-Natal is known for it’s rich history. A tour of the Battlefields can add to your child’s education!
