All I Want For Christmas
27 / 11 - Category: Blog
Pop quiz: have you ever received a Christmas gift you didn’t like, want or need? Chances are that you’ve answered a resounding ‘Yes!’ Not surprising really, as according to a recent survey, nearly 72 per cent of people regularly receive a Christmas gift they don’t like. Just to really check our facts, we did a quick Google search on the topic of “Worst Christmas Presents”, returning over one million pages! Seems that despite the fact that it’s supposed to be the thought that counts, we end up receiving (or giving) a gift that’s destined for the cupboard, the garage, the charity bin or eBay. So, as we set out to battle the crowds in the annual frenzy that is Christmas shopping, maybe it is time to think before we purchase and ensure every one of our precious dollars counts.
Firstly, don’t leave your present buying until the week before Christmas. Limited time increases the pressure to buy and before you know it, you’re running through your Christmas list faster than a bull through the streets of Pamplona. But don’t just take our word for it. The latest eBay research reveals shopping late (and self-gifting) are the main reasons why 72 per cent of Australians exceed their Christmas shopping budget by an average of $248. Ouch! No wonder an estimated 96 per cent of us find Christmas shopping stressful!
So like any goal you set in life, a little research and planning in advance can prove invaluable in the long run. We know it’s almost December but no point putting off til tomorrow what you can do today.
- Tip No. 1: Start your planning now. Determine what you can realistically afford to spend – on gifts, entertainment, food, drink and travel – and stick to it. No ifs. No buts. No maybes. Have a read of It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas to see how ANZ MoneyManager can help you set a budget.
- Tip No. 2: Avoid using your credit card. Period. Why kick off 2010 with a post-Christmas hangover on your plastic? If you can’t afford to pay for it now, is it really worth it?
- Tip No. 3: Check who’s on your Christmas gift list. Is it really necessary to buy your boss, co-worker, great aunt, and second cousin a gift?
- Tip No.4: Create your own gifts. Can you bake? Make jam or chutney? Sew? Take a great photo? Write a short story? Paint? Everyone loves a home-made gift so why not give the people what they want! It’s a bold ambition but one that would definitely earn you big brownie points on Christmas morning. They’ll love you for it and so will your bank balance!
- Tip No. 5: Design and print your own Christmas Cards. Don’t let Hallmark have all the fun, this is a great way to really personalise your Holiday message in words and pictures.
- Tip No. 6: Give that gift that keeps on giving and support your favourite charity at the same time. Whether it’s “buying” a mosquito net from World Vision Australia (for just $10!) or sponsoring a guide dog (for as little as $25 per month), make it a gift that really counts.
- Tip No. 7: Shop online and avoid everything that you hate most about Christmas, eg crowds and finding a car park! And as long as you do it soon, your gifts will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.
Avoiding the financial stress of the holiday season doesn’t have to be a Christmas fantasy. With a little planning and focus on sticking to the all-important budget, you could breeze through the festivities in fine style and be ready to kick off the New Year stress-free and without a financial hangover.
Happy Shopping, making or donating!
ANZ MoneyManager Team
