Financial Planning

#Ke Dezemba: Time with family doesn’t have to break the bank. Get creative!

Take a frenzy of festive season spending pressures. Add a dollop of family expectations and mirror it all against your budget realities: We can all be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed. But take a step back….and get creative. After all, when the going gets tough, the tough get going, if the proverb is anything to go by.

There’s no reason why the opportunity to create beautiful memories for you and your loved ones should necessarily be linked to a large spending budget. On the contrary, here’s how to go about things a little differently…. for you and your family.

Here are some ways you can get creative over the holidays

Get creative with your festive season grocery list

The festive season generally means shops will have festive season prices. Whether it’s food or gift-related, there’s no reason to buy something simply because it’s on special. In fact, creative meal and gift ideas can give birth to new memories, so do some homework and don’t feel obliged to repeat old expensive ways of doing things. Draw up a list before you go shopping to avoid overspending. Most importantly, stick to your plan and stick to your list. Don’t get derailed by the hype around the season.

Thoughtfulness and creativity make the perfect gift

Why not gift your cousin with the banana bread recipe on which she complimented you earlier in the year? Present it on creative paper and decorating it? It’s all about creativity and thoughtfulness.

Consider co-hosting family gatherings and friends

The more, the merrier may be true for you! But entertaining is expensive and, given that everyone is feeling the economic pinch, why not co-host festive parties, lunches or braais? A Bring-and-Share can be fun. Imagine a theme: Meat-on-a-stick, Finger Food, Death-by-Dessert…or whatever grabs your fancy.

Reconsider this year’s festive trip with family or friends

Instead of a festive trip, why not make the most of your town and look for free fun activities with family or with friends. A park or beach can offer a great option for picnics, or a hike. Alternatively, hit a hiking trail – a good way to get some fresh air and work off the festive pudding while you’re at it.

Using cash to buy essential items can avoid a budget hangover

Whether you consider food or gifts to be important to you, leave your credit card at home when you go shopping for essentials. Planning your spending and using cash to purchase whatever you need, can help avoid scenarios where you close your eyes and swipe yourself into a budget hangover in January.