Avoid piling on the pounds this Christmas
Enjoy this Christmas rather than get bogged down with financial worries. Intrum Justitia, Europe's leading provider of credit management services gives you advice on ways to manage your wallet.
 | Set a clear and realistic budget |
This sounds simple, but there are many areas which can be missed off this list, from the new outfit for the Christmas party to extra presents for friends' children.
| Make a list of presents to buy |
And stick to it. Don't be tempted to buy lots of extra gifts just in case.
| Agree present budgets with friends |
If you are part of a large group of friends, why not suggest a secret Santa, where everyone pulls a name out of a hat and just buys for that one person. If you do this, and set a budget for £5, the costs drops dramatically, compared to buying a present for everyone.
Another suggestion would be to all pitch in for a Christmas meal and celebrate this as your presents to each other.
| Start buying presents now |
If you can buy a few presents now, the costs are spread across your monthly or weekly pay packets rather than having to put items on credit at the last minute. You'll be buying festive food and drink too, so add this to your current list.
| Give presents that matter |
One way to cut the cost of presents is to give home-made gifts. From chocolate truffles to cushions, a variety of items can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of buying a present.
| Shop around |
If you have time, look around for the best deal. There are so many offers on the Internet and in the supermarkets that can cut the costs of presents and food essentials dramatically.
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