Money tips

Christmas can be a time of joy and celebration, but also stress. The pressure to spend, along with the laundry list of tasks that need completing — all of this can leave one feeling overwhelmed, or just simply over the whole thing!

As an early Christmas gift, financial counsellors from the Salvos Moneycare team have put together some festive tips you can use for a more affordable, relaxing and joyful Christmas.       
 

1. Start by asking yourself the three wise Christmas questions:

• Where do you find joy at Christmas? 
  Seek out what makes Christmas happy and enjoyable for you. Revisit your childhood Christmases and think about what made them special — was it the food, the festive decorations, or time spent with loved ones?

• Do you have to...?  
  Don’t feel obligated to attend every Christmas event or buy expensive gifts for every relative. Assess the importance and relevance of each event or invite that comes your way before you commit yourself. Avoid saying yes out of habit.

• Can it wait?  
  Review your calendar and to-do list to see if any tasks or catchups can be moved. With the summer holidays and New Year’s just around the corner, you can exercise some flexibility and schedule activities for after Christmas.   

2. Remember — Christmas is about giving rather than spending    

• Give purposefully      
  Focus on unique and meaningful gifts that will bring joy to those you love.   

• Give experiences      
  Experiences make great gifts that provide lasting memories for years to come. 

• Give presence instead of presents   
  Your time can be a very valuable gift. The moments you spend putting up decorations or playing backyard cricket with your loved ones are no less valuable than what can be bought in stores.

• Give back     
  Volunteer your time or donate items to support someone who would otherwise miss out. This not only helps them but, as research suggests, leaves you feeling happier too.   

• Give yourself a break     
  You’ve been busy all year. Take a breather and think of what might bring you peace and relaxation during this stressful season.  

• Give only from what you have  
  Avoid borrowing to pay for your Christmas — use the money you have.   

Remember — your gift is good enough, as it is given with kindness and care

3. Try our Christmas planning sheets  
They will help you to prioritise your different festive commitments and the activities that bring you the most joy — thereby allowing for a happier and more organised Christmas. We invite you to print both sheets out and keep them somewhere you can see them.

• Rules for a 5-star Christmas 
  Write your top five rules for a great Christmas and stick to them as best you can.  

• A Christmas tree of balance  
  Determine who you’ll send Christmas messages to, which events you’ll attend, and who you’ll buy a gift for. This will help ensure you don’t overspend your money, time, or energy. 

— Christmas magic comes from the heart. We hope these tips help you keep your festive season on budget and full of joy and love.  
 
Our Moneycare financial counsellors are also available to help you manage your finances for Christmas and beyond. You can get in touch with us via live chat on the Moneycare website here or call 1800 722 363 for a free and confidential chat.