On average, Christmas spending is set to increase 4.75% per household. DebtRescue has some handy tips to help you save this Christmas.
1) Plan ahead
With spending set to increase, learn to budget;
2) Open a Christmas account
The Christmas savings account is a good option for those who are not disciplined enough to set aside money each month for the festive season;
3) Give up something
It might be tough to live without your favourite magazine subscription, but do you need it?;
4) Sell your stuff
That old couch from your varsity days needs to move on. And so does that BlackBerry;
5) Count your cents — literally
Empty your pockets or purse daily into a change jar, get your children to join in, look around your couch, look in your car and use that change you find to increase your Christmas savings account;
6) Make extra money during the holidays
Become a house-sitter or a dog-sitter;
7) Shop online
You can hunt for bargains all year long;
8) Start today
There are six weeks to Christmas. Better late than never.