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
Warehouse Operative (3 month fixed term contract)
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913748
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Braintree - they are looking to add a 'Warehouse Operative' to their team, initially on a 3 month fixed term contract.

The key purpose of this role is to support the warehouse team, ensuring all duties are completed to a high standard and stock is processed accurately both in and out of the business.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with the unloading/loading of vehicles and the checking in of stock.
  • Sorting and placing materials or items onto racks and shelves.
  • Collecting items from throughout the warehouse, preparing and completing warehouse orders for delivery or pickup according to a schedule.
  • Performing warehouse inventory controls via scanner and/or through a computer.
  • Stock counting and location checks.
  • Forklift driving (counterbalance) duties as required.

Role requirements include:

  • Previous warehouse-based experience, ideally holding a full and valid counterbalance licence.
  • Good IT and communication skills - able to input stock accurately on the system and on other systems as needed.
  • Previous experience of using a hand scanner.

Please note you need to have a full and valid driving licence for this role, as some van driving duties may be required on an ad-hoc basis.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm - some overtime may be required.

This role offers a competitive salary and great company benefits as well as an incentive package.

This is a great time to join a growing organisation.

 

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

 

Read more
New job
Service Engineer (Gas Safe registered)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: North East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB31
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Service Engineer to cover the North East, ideally located close to Newcastle, Durham, or the Darlington area.

The role involves carrying out routine servicing, including filter changes, as well as breakdown repairs across a wide range of company units. You will have a good level of fitness and be comfortable working at heights. Occasional on-call cover will also be required for a key local customer.

Key requirements include:

  • Must have a full driving licence
  • Must be Gas Safe Registered, ideally with CoNGLP1 PD COCN 1 CIGA 1 CDGA 1 ACS accreditations
  • Electrical/Mechanical/Engineering background required
  • Experience with gas/oil burners
  • Self-motivated and innovative
  • Ability to use initiative and have excellent customer liaison skills

The benefits package includes:

Competitive salary depending on experience, overtime, paid door to door (at 1.5x (travel included)

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone/tablet
  • Pension
  • Private health scheme
  • 25 days holidays

 

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

 

Read more
Internal Sales Executive
Sector: Sales
Salary: £28,000 - £35,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC30
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business in Ipswich, looking to add an Internal Sales Executive to their team.

The Internal Sales Executive will play a crucial role in driving the company's growth by developing and executing strategic sales plans, expanding the customer base, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This role is essential for achieving the company's sales targets and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.

Duties include:

  • Carrying out outbound sales calls to meet sales targets.
  • Managing client sales appointments.
  • Client/Customer upsell and cross-sell.
  • Securing new sales orders via quotations, proposals and trials.
  • Continuously develop sales pitch and processes.
  • Identifying and targeting opportunities to expand the customer base.
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients.

You will need to be a highly motivated, proactive, and results-driven business development professional with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, integrity, and innovation. You should excel at building and maintaining relationships and actively contribute to the wider growth of the business.

 

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

 

Read more
Sales Negotiator (9-month contract)
Sector: Sales
Location: Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC29
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

  • Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
  • Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
  • Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
  • Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
  • Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

  • Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
  • Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
  • Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

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

 

Read more
Sales Negotiator
Sector: Sales
Location: Earls Colne, Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC28
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team on a full-time, permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

  • Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
  • Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
  • Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
  • Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
  • Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

  • Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
  • Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
  • Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

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

 

Read more