Just Recruitment
Call us on 01206 656656
Just Recruitment
Call us on 01206 656656

How to enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank

Christmas is an expensive season, but you needn’t get in a financial pickle. Follow our top tips for frugal festivities to protect your wallet

By Sophie Cole

Two years ago, according to the Bank of England, the average family spends an additional £700 in December to keep up with the costs of Christmas. That gives an indication of the expense of the festive season – showing why some households feel the pinch as the jingle bells start to ring.

Follow our savvy tips and you can enjoy plenty of Christmas cheer without the hefty price tag.  

But there’s no need to splurge a load of cash at Christmas. Follow our savvy tips and you can enjoy plenty of Christmas cheer without the hefty price tag.

1. Make a plan

Don’t even think about hitting the shops until you’ve had time to sit down and plan your Christmas giving.

Make a list of what you’ll buy everyone, thinking not only about what they’d like but how much you’re willing to spend per person.

Be sure to set yourself an overall budget and divide it between your loved ones however you see fit. If you don’t know the exact gift you’re going to buy for each person, try to jot down a detailed description (e.g. a floral bath bomb set for your niece; checked hankies for Dad) plus how much you want to spend on it.

And if you really want to resist the temptation to overspend, consider shopping online. That way, you won’t be drawn to unnecessary items that catch your eye in-store.

2. Agree a spending limit with friends and family

If you’ve got friends and family who splash some serious cash every Christmas, but you’re trying to keep costs down, it’s a recipe for awkwardness.

To make sure you’re not embarrassed by your modest gifts on the big day, it’s a smart idea to agree a spending limit for each person’s presents.

Suggest a budget of £10 per person, for example, and ask that everyone tries their best to stick to it.

Be upfront about your reasons for proposing the spending cap. Your loved ones won’t want you to feel embarrassed so will most likely stick to your agreed limit. Which means you won’t spend Christmas lunch feeling guilty about buying your Great Aunt Joan a pair of socks when she bought you a designer handbag.

3. Shop around for the best deals

Are kids crying out for this year’s latest toys and gadgets? Make sure you shop around for the best deal before whipping out your wallet.

Try to start shopping as early as possible to take advantage of deals that may crop up way before the Christmas rush. This will also help you avoid missing out on must-have items, or paying over the odds to buy them on eBay.

Even if you have left it to the last minute, a quick scan of a few retailers’ websites will show where you can get the cheapest price. A few choice clicks could save you a chunk of cash, especially on big-budget electrical items.

...a quick scan of a few retailers’ websites will show where you can get the cheapest price.  

4. Do it yourself for twice the fun and half the cost

If you really want to keep a lid on Christmas costs, make your festive season a DIY one.

This is particularly good if there are people in your life who already own everything they need. You’ll be able to gift them something that’s got sentimental value rather than monetary worth.

A personalised photo album or handmade cushion will always pull at the heartstrings of a much-loved friend or relative. And if you’re not the creative type, fill a box with random items (think facemasks, fluffy socks, sweets) and tie it with a pretty ribbon. That sort of thing always goes down a storm.

5. If you must borrow money, go to a reputable lender

Christmas really isn’t worth getting yourself into debt for, but if unexpected expenses mean you just don’t have the money this year, there are good and bad ways to borrow.

Never, ever, choose a payday loan or other kind of high-interest borrowing option, as costs will quickly spiral and become unaffordable. It’s also wise to be wary of retailers that offer a “spread the cost” option over a period of months or years, as this can increase the amount you pay overall by hundreds of pounds.

According to Moneysavingexpert.com, an interest-free credit card is one of the best options, because it allows you to clear the balance without paying additional fees. Make sure you double-check the 0% fee period on the card, though, as this varies between lenders.

 

Published: 6 December 2022
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2022

Jobs currently available

New job
Transport Coordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £26,000 - £28,500 per annum
Location: Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913723
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Halstead who are recruiting for a Transport Coordinator to add to their team.

You will be responsible for planning and coordinating the transportation of goods and materials from one location to another.

Key tasks include:

  • Answering incoming calls, giving product information, lead times, dealing with general enquiries and queries, redirecting calls to relevant departments.
  • Planning and coordinating the movement of goods between locations using various modes of transportation.
  • Communicating with customers, drivers, carriers, and other parties to ensure smooth and timely delivery of shipments.
  • Maintaining records and reports of transportation activities and transactions.
  • Scanning documentation.
  • Arranging couriers and/or carriers as required

Role key requirements include:

  • Strong communication, organisational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Good eye for detail.
  • The ability to work well under pressure.
  • Courteous.

Preferred experience includes:

  • Previous Transport Coordinator experience gained within an office environment.
  • Customer Services experience would be desirable.
  • Excellent telephone manner with the ability to communicate at all levels.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience with in-house systems.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload.

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
  • Friday 8.30am to 14.30pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Export Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £28,000 - £34,000 per annum
Location: Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913722
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Halstead with the recruitment of an Export Administrator to join their team.

You will be responsible for servicing current and prospective customers by receiving and processing orders, enquiries and general information in a timely and courteous manner.

Key tasks include:

  • Answering incoming calls, giving product information, lead times, dealing with general enquiries and queries, and redirecting calls to relevant departments.
  • Processing and managing export orders, shipments, and documentation in compliance with international regulations and procedures.
  • Providing excellent customer service and handling any queries or complaints related to export operations.
  • Maintaining accurate records and reports of export activities and transactions.

Key requirements include:

  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Good eye for detail.
  • The ability to work well under pressure.
  • Courteous.

Preferred experience includes:

  • Previous Export Administrative experience gained within an office environment.
  • Excellent telephone manner with the ability to communicate at all levels.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience with in-house systems.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
  • Friday, 8.30am to 2.30pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Bench Joiner
Sector: Property and Construction
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913700
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a Bench Joiner to join their highly skilled and established team.

You will be working on a variety of bespoke projects — the key purpose of this role is to manage your day-to-day duties, including carpentry using hand and power tools, framing and finish carpentry. This is a team role, working collaboratively across the wider business, to create exceptional joinery pieces.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Own set of tools is a must!
  • Experience in a similar role
  • 3D/2D design experience
  • Joinery background
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Effective analytical skills
  • Systematic approach to tasks

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Over time is available.

Free on-site parking is available, along with a great working environment, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to work with new, automated processes and equipment — full training provided.

This role offers a really competitive package.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Cleaner (part-time)
Sector: Customer Services
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Ipswich
Role: Part Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-IPS-C-0725
About the role

Just Temps is supporting a company in Ipswich, seeking an experienced Cleaner to join their team on a temporary basis. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for short-term evening work.

Hours: 5.00pm to 9.00pm (Monday to Friday)

Role responsibilities include:

  • General office cleaning across multiple floors
  • Cleaning of toilets, canteen areas, and communal spaces
  • Lifting and transporting heavy cleaning equipment up and down stairs
  • Ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the building

Requirements:

  • Previous cleaning experience is essential
  • Capable of handling heavy equipment
  • Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic
  • Comfortable working independently across various areas of the building

Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Evening hours – ideal for fitting around other commitments
  • Supportive team environment

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Technical Support Supervisor
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913720
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation based in Sudbury to recruit a Technical Support Supervisor to join their long-standing team.

Due to business growth, this newly created position is responsible for supporting technical operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the technical systems, processes and projects under the guidance of the division's business leader.

The role is crucial in aligning the company’s technical capabilities with business goals, ensuring that the products are designed and manufactured/assembled to operate effectively and securely.

You will need to demonstrate experience in project management and implementation, technical experience and industry best practices. You will also need to show knowledge of compliance with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards.

Key requirements include:

  • Troubleshooting skills, to investigate and resolve technical issues relating to products
  • Provide technical support and training to other team members, including sales
  • Support the development and implementation of new products
  • Ability to produce accurate bills of materials (BOMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Experience in computer-aided design (CAD) and the ability to produce product drawings
  • Basic software programming skills would be an advantage
  • Sound understanding of electronics

This is a site-based role.

This role offers a very competitive package and a great working environment.


Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more