The old adage ‘you snooze you lose’ certainly rings true in the run-up to the festive season.
Especially if you’re already feeling the financial stress with Christmas lights twinkling across many high streets – and wondering how you’re going to afford all those gorgeous goodies nestled amongst the tinsel.
"Planning ahead is always a good idea when it comes to gift shopping, especially when you’re on a tight budget," says Rajan Lakhani, money expert at smart money app Plum.
And that’s many of us currently, says Lakhani, with inflation remaining painfully high in many areas and increased costs for everyday expenses.
"By giving the festive season some thought now, you can avoid spending more than you can afford – and ensure you can provide your family with the Christmas you want, while getting peace of mind at the same time," he continues.
Here, experts share their top tips for a merry and affordable Christmas…
It will make you budget properly
This is an essential first step to ensure you don't overspend, advises Lakhani.
"Review your finances in detail, including income and outgoings, and see how much you have available for Christmas spending.
"It’s also a good idea to tot up approximately how much you wish to spend per person for an accurate idea of the amount you’ll need."
He says it’s important to do this now, so you have time to pull together the funds if you need to… "So act now!"
There’s time for bargain hunting
Once you’ve made a list of what you’re spending on each person, you can then think through the presents you wish to buy well in advance, says Lakhani.
"Having a vague idea of what you want to buy means you’re in the best place to look for a suitable bargain – and you’re unlikely to end up panic buying something overpriced.
"This also gives you time to price-match items using tools like Google Shopping to ensure you’re buying the cheapest version out there – and maximise gift availability."
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You won't miss out on popular gifts
Every year there’s a most-wanted list of gifts – often including the latest toy craze, says Sarah-Jane Outten, shopping expert at MyVoucherCodes.
"The chances are the closer you get to the big day, the more likely it is to sell out – and there is nothing worse than panic buying a most-wanted toy at double the price in December!
"Or even worse – battling the bids on auction sites," she adds.
It will help you avoid buyer regret
Buying gifts by November avoids last-minute panic buying, highlights Outten.
"When you have time to browse the shops either in person or online, you are far less likely to regret your purchase."
She says to use November to check comparison sites and create wish lists of gifts. "It’s the best way to avoid overspending and buying something the recipient will love."
You can take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Tick gifts off the Christmas list on the 24 and 27 of November this year by making the most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, advises Outten.
"If you already know what you’re looking for, this can be a great way to make savings. In fact, Black Friday is a shopping season in itself these days, lasting the majority of November.
"But not every deal is as good as you think," she warns. "So make sure you do your research!"
You're online orders will arrive before Santa
As our love for online shopping continues to grow, it puts additional pressure on delivery companies at Christmas time, notes Outten.
"Previous years have seen several delivery companies struggle to get parcels to customers on time."
She continues: "Make sure you’re ahead of the chaos and get all your orders placed before the end of November."
You can get ahead on festive treat bargains
As Outten points out, the supermarkets are filled with special offers and discounts, but many of the deals come to an end as soon as December kicks in.
"Parents across the country will be all too familiar with the task of last-minute pressie wrapping," says Outten. "I’m guilty of frantically trying to wrap presents in secret as late as Christmas Eve.
"But do yourself a favour and wrap everything by the end of November, leaving more time for festive fun," enthuses Outten. "As an added bonus, should any little ones start snooping around the house for presents – they won’t see what they are."
