Nine ways to save money during Christmas

December is here again, the month of merry-making and togetherness. The period where we celebrate the end of the year.

During this season Ghanaians are seen spending a lot of money on gifts, clothings, food and travel all in the name of Christmas.

Then comes the month of January the beginning of a new year, with all monies spent during Christmas holidays most Ghanaians have their accounts wiped out.

To ensure that you do not begin the month of January broke here are some 9 tips to save money;

1. Do not buy yourself anything

This is really hard because you will be seeing so many good deals out there. Do you really need new dresses or shoes? Do you need fashion accessories?

2. Eat before you go out shopping

Sometimes it is nice to have a drink while you are out or a little snack and that is okay. But spending lots of money on a fancy dinner every time you are shopping is wasteful

3. Avoid purchasing new Christmas decorations

Sometimes you cannot help but be drawn to some of the cutest decorations for your household or table.

4. Go out with a shopping list.

Going out without a list may cause you to lose money, time and energy. This happens when you have to return to the market to shop for the things you forgot to buy or when you buy more than needed. In both cases, you lose money, time and energy

5. Stick with your budget

This can be really hard when you find something that you really love. But it is just over your price range. I know you will probably say to yourself that you will spend less in another area, but that never works out, does it? You made a budget, now stick to it!

6. Pay Cash

If you have the cash use it rather than using VISA or credit card. You lose track of what you are spending and that is easy at Christmas when you’re spending more than normal using ATM cards.

7. Make sure you budget for everything

Make sure you budget for your Christmas tree, haircuts, and Christmas clothes for the kids, gifts for when you go to parties, teacher gifts, and Christmas cards.

8. Start early

Some people shop all year, do not do that. Start thinking about Christmas two months earlier. You can start browsing the Internet and get ideas for all the gifts you need to buy.

9. Downsize your holiday

You do not have to buy a huge tree, get a smaller one. Do not send out Christmas cards. Decorate with what you have.

By: Joseph Nii Ankrah