Skip to main content

Prepare Against The Hidden Costs of Christmas


The festive season is an expensive time, for obvious reasons. Christmas presents, food, drink, decorations and so much more. But there are a few other additional expenses too that you might not have thought about. Don’t be caught off-guard. Being aware of these hidden costs can help you plan and budget better and prevent running out of money or worse- running up debt. Here are a few of the things to watch out for.

pexels-photo-196648.jpeg

Travel
Will you be traveling to see family and friends this Christmas? If you’re going away then you, of course, have things like plane, train and bus tickets to think about. But even if you’re just visiting locally, the cost of fuel can add up. When you’re to and fro to parties and other social gatherings, driving to drop off charity boxes, going Christmas shopping and everything else- your gas usage is likely to be higher than usual

Postage
Most of us send at least a few cards and gifts in the mail each Christmas. And postage isn’t something you give much thought to until you’re actually stood in the Post Office. But it can all add up. Buying postage online can often work out cheaper, so is a good money saving tip for the festive season. This article talks about places where you can buy stamps online so you could check out something like this if you’re looking to save on postage.

Extra Gifts
You think you have gifts for everyone and you’re perfectly prepared. But then the awkward moment happens where a visitor calls round with a gift for you, but you don’t have one for them. Oops! You can prevent this from happening by having a number of simple gifts wrapped and ready to go- things like boxes of chocolates that can be given to anyone. But again, you will need to factor in this cost. Don’t forget about token gifts for people like children’s teachers, neighbors, etc. You could even DIY gifts to save a little bit of money, it could be baking or any other craft.

Hosting Guests
Christmas is the time of year you’ll have the most visitors to your home. It’s wonderful being able to see family and friends that you don’t see too much of at other times of the year. Maybe due to things like work commitments and distance. But when people are calling round to your home, you’ll need to be ‘visitor ready.' Stocked up with food, drinks, and snacks to offer people while they’re over.

Bills

It’s easy to focus on the extras over the festive period, but don’t forget about your regular bills too. Unfortunately, they don’t just disappear because it’s Christmas! Your gas and electricity bills are likely to be high since the weather will have cooled right down and you’ll have more people over at your house. And since the kids are off school and you’re off work, you’re in the house more too running these things up. Make sure your regular bills are paid first before spending on Christmas, that way you won't run into financial issues in the new year.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

6 Word Saturday

My bed is calling my name!  

Knot Genie Review and Giveaway

If you have a little girl and have not heard of the Knot Genie then you need to watch the following video:   "The Knot Genie™ and Teeny Genie™ Detangling Brushes were created for every mom that has endured the foot stomping and screaming matches that come with brushing their child's hair. With the Knot Genie, even the curliest, most knotted up hair practically slips through the unique bristle configuration – gently and painlessly. Try the Knot Genie on your kids (or on yourself) – you'll be amazed by the ease of brushing, as well as how it virtually stops breakage and split ends. You've wished for hair brushing standoffs to end. Wish granted." My Review:  Thanks to the Knot Genie for sending me the product to conduct my review.  I was not paid for this review and all opinions expressed are 100% mine.  I know I have grown so tired of my daughter coming to tears every morning when we did her hair. I was becoming to think she was the most

Dry Idea: Deodorant Review and Giveaway

I know most of you know I was at kids camp last week and I think I mentioned the humidity and heat that we had that week!  I was daring as I only brought my new Dry Idea  deodorant  that I had never used prior.  I had no idea if it was going to keep me from smelling like B.O or if I was going to have sweaty pits. So how did the Dry Idea hold up to the hot and humid days at kids camp???  Arms raised high during worship in the morning and in the evening!  :)  I was dry and I did not stink!  :) WOOT WOOT!  I had the unscented brand and I usually do prefer a pretty scent but it worked and they do have scents which include powder fresh and cotton dry that I might try in the future.  :) The Dry Idea Roll-On is 24 hour protection, fast drying MicroCotton Formula, hypo allergenic, and contains Vitamin E.  :) Don't like roll on's??  They do offer Clear Gel and an Invisible Solid.  :) Dry Idea provided a free sample of their Advanced Dry roll-On so I could review them.  However,