Is your budget on track for Christmas?

Christmas might feel a while away, but it has a sneaky habit of creeping up on us. Between gifts, food, travel, and festive nights out, the costs can pile up fast. The good news? A little planning now can save you a lot of stress later.

Here are our top tips for keeping your festive budget on track this Christmas.

Work out what you can afford

Start by looking at your budget for the next few months. Factor in essentials like bills, food, and travel, then see what’s left for Christmas spending.

This will help you set a realistic spending limit and stick to it. It’s easier to enjoy the holidays when you know you won’t be paying for them well into the new year.

Start saving early

Even small amounts add up. Putting aside £15-£20 a week between now and mid-December could give you around £200 to cover gifts and treats.

Even if you can't save that much, anything you can set aside now will help cover bits and pieces when the festive season approaches.

Consider opening a separate savings pot so you’re not tempted to dip into it.

Make a gift list (and stick to it!)

Impulse buys are the budget killer. Write down who you’re buying for, set a budget for each person, and track what you’ve spent.

Pro tip: Agree on spending limits with family and friends or suggest Secret Santa to keep costs down. Secret Santa, for example, can mean buying a gift for just one family member rather than all of them.

Hunt for deals early

Don’t wait for the last-minute rush. Retailers run offers throughout autumn, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be great for snagging bargains.

It’s also a good idea to sign up for newsletters or set price alerts for items on your list.

Spread the cost of food and drink

Stock up on non-perishables like chocolates, crisps, and drinks now. Buying a little each week makes the big shop less painful.

Plan your travel

If you’re visiting family, book trains or flights as early as possible for the best prices. Flights typically only get more expensive the closer you get to your flight date. Even petrol costs can be easier to manage if you plan ahead.

Make DIY gifts

If you’re crafty, DIY gifts can be a fun festive activity and a great way to save on cash. You could crochet a reindeer, paint coaster sets, or even bake gingerbread men. This can keep costs low while creating a personalised gift for your loved ones.

A little forward planning now means you can enjoy the festive season without a financial hangover in January.