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
Laboratory Technician
Sector: Science and Pharmaceuticals
Salary: £34,029 per annum
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB34
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for a skilled Laboratory Technician to join a manufacturing business in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

The role involves performing analytical testing on raw materials and finished products, ensuring consistent product quality, maintaining accurate documentation, and meeting both internal and external audit requirements.

Key accountabilities include:

  • Performing analyses and operations according to agreed work plans and schedules.
  • Producing and reporting on time only valid, accurate analytical results.
  • Reporting immediately, out-of-specification results, non-conformances, or any aspects of laboratory operation which are prejudicial to the laboratory operation/service to the Line Manager.
  • Achieving/maintaining the desired level of competency in all defined operations.
  • Undertaking operations to comply with world-class operation practices.
  • Carrying out work activities according to agreed work plans and schedules, following the written standard operating procedures.

Key attributes include:

  • Proven hands-on laboratory experience in Microbiological testing, sample preparation and serial dilution techniques, plating and plate reading.
  • Practical experience in chemistry-based analysis.
  • Familiarity with aseptic techniques and contamination/cross-contamination control.
  • Ability to prepare and handle media, reagents etc.
  • Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, balances, microscopes and exposure to use of higher level equipment such as HPLC and any other equipment along those lines.
  • Good understanding of GLP.
  • Accurate record keeping, completion of relevant spreadsheets, and associated databases.
  • Attention to detail for reporting and result verification.
  • Ability to interpret data.
Read more
New job
Process Improvement Lead
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB35
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for a Process Improvement Lead to support a manufacturing business in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

In this role, you will be instrumental in ensuring product quality and supporting the company’s reputation for excellence. You will also help embed improvements across the business by working closely with Team Leaders on-site and beyond.

Engaging with the daily operational teams, the role involves providing laboratory analysis to advance performance improvement opportunities. It also includes supporting multidisciplinary teams through troubleshooting and promoting Lean manufacturing principles.

Role will involve:

  • Conducting non-routine analysis of in-process materials, raw materials and finished products.
  • Interpreting, analysing, and communicating results to relevant departments.
  • Following standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices.
  • Generating and updating existing standard operating procedures and test methods.
  • Troubleshooting laboratory issues and recommending solutions.
  • Maintaining accurate and detailed records of all testing performed.
  • Facilitating plant and process problem solving.

Knowledge and qualifications requirements:

  • Degree in Science, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
  • Experience in Food and Beverage, or Food services industry is essential – experience of unpredictability and variability in production.
  • Previous experience in a quality assurance or laboratory environment.
Read more
New job
R&D Technician
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB36
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a skilled R&D Technician to join a manufacturing company in Braintree, Essex.

In this role, you will be involved in designing and developing new products, ensuring the successful completion of work on both new designs and product modifications.

Role will involve:

  • Designing and developing new products: taking note of the client’s specifications and participating in their analysis, producing all the technical documents necessary for development.
  • Ensuring feasibility/maintain vigilance on the capability of the industrialisation of the project, creating models and prototypes, etc.
  • Contributing to modifications and adaptations of existing products.
  • Implementing instructions, item sheets, and technical specifications of subcontracted products/components.
  • Contributing to the production of technical files as well as those given to the client.
  • Writing the reports of investigation and qualification tests that have been carried out.
  • Taking charge of projects that do not require interaction with the customer and following a known design.
  • Contributing to the creation of digital simulations of new products to accelerate the product investigation phase in their area of expertise.

Key knowledge and skills required:

  • 2D/3D drawing/Design/Modifications.
  • Knowledge of materials, their properties and constraints: synthetic, ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
  • Know how to recognise the relevance of the value of a measurement or a calculation.
  • Ability to analyse and synthesise.
  • Organisational ability.
  • Critical thinking and continuous improvement.
  • IT and digital tools.
  • Ability to adapt.
  • Ability to collaborate and have a team spirit.

Qualifications required:

  • Evidence of higher education is essential, a relevant technical degree plus 2 years of experience in industrial product design.
Read more
New job
Warehouse Manager
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB33
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an experienced Warehouse Manager to join a manufacturing business in Braintree, Essex.

This is a hands-on role responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the warehouse, supporting the business as it grows and meets increasing demand.

You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation and coordination of the warehouse and logistics functions, while continually seeking and implementing ways to improve performance, processes, and organisational standards.

Duties will include:

  • Managing the warehouse team.
  • Handling raw materials.
  • Handling finished goods.
  • Goods in; picking; packing and dispatch processes.
  • Converting raw material to finished goods.
  • Managing inventory; storage, accuracy, and cycle counting.
  • Coordinating with third-party logistics.

Key skills required:

  • Significant operational leadership experience with a demonstrated track record of applying Lean/CI principles to realise business goals and deliver productivity.
  • General Computer Skills.
  • Minimum of 2 years Team Leader/Supervisor experience in Stores/Warehouse function.
  • Organisational skills.
  • Strong Problem-solving skills.
  • Team Player.
  • Current FLT licence – counterbalance/ flexi truck.
Read more
CNC Turner
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £32,448 - £40,560 per annum
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB32
About the role

Due to continued growth and succession planning, Just Recruitment is recruiting an experienced CNC Turner to operate CNC lathes with FANUC controls for a well-established company in Braintree.

Scope:

  • Setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.
  • Loading and running programs through prove out according to the tools list and works instructions.
  • Producing a valid first-off component in line with component drawing and quality requirements.
  • Loading and operating machines to meet desired quantities.
  • Conducting in-process inspection, checking against drawings and specifications to ensure they are made accurately and to the highest standards.
  • Completing QA records.

Skills:

  • Capable of programming FANUC CNC machines (Specific robot program training/operation will be given to the successful candidate).
  • Selecting the correct tooling and setting the machines as required to produce quality components by reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings.
  • We will consider transferable skills from grinding or milling to CNC turning.

Hours of work: 39 hour working week
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm or 9.00am to 5.30pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm

Read more