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It’s that time of year again; it comes around so quickly, doesn’t it? For many, the approach to Christmas has become a time of too many expectations, and too much pressure. As the seasonal blitz with its attendant flashing lights, piped carols, and colourful ads, draws near, you find yourself caught up in the whirlwind of activity.

Whether you look forward with excitement to the shopping and preparations, or with some dread at all the disruption, stress and drain on your resources, be careful not to overspend. Here are a few suggestions on how to get through Christmas without throwing your finances into disarray.

Avoid last minute shopping

Are you one of those found in the shopping mall panic buying at 9.30pm on Christmas Eve? Let’s try to change things this year. Shopping under pressure will lead you to overspend, and you are more likely to buy gifts that are not appreciated by the recipients. Shop early; if you begin now, you can shop around for more meaningful, appropriate gifts than you would find in a last minute shopping spree.

Acumulating gifts throughout the year eases the pressure, and you won’t feel the strain of buying several presents all at once. By the time Christmas arrives, hopefully, you will have only a small amount of shopping left to do. After Christmas sales are also a useful way to prepare for next year, as many items are sold at much reduced prices in January.

Stick to a budget

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to buy special gifts for all your loved ones? The reality is that funds are limited. In an ideal world, one should have started to set money aside specifically for Christmas over a period of time, so that when it is time to shop you have the cash in place.

As we get close to Christmas and before the shopping frenzy gets into full gear, put a simple Christmas budget in place. It will help you determine exactly how much you can afford to spend on Christmas and all its trappings: gifts, decorations, Christmas cards, extra food and drink, new clothes, entertainment, phone calls, charitable donations, and travel. Don’t forget to include a little indulgence for yourself.

Add up the total and compare that with what you have available to spend. If it’s more than you can afford, don’t feel pressured to overspend, just look for areas to trim. Remember, most people are in the same boat. If you are wondering whether you should drop a person or family from your list, you can be sure that they are also considering dropping you.

Food is a major Christmas expense

In the run up to Christmas, we tend to buy far too much food, and so much of it will go to waste. Plan your Christmas food requirements now, and make a list of all that you will need. Prices usually go up significantly in early December so bulk-buying some of the non-perishable items, which can be shared with friends and family can take some pressure off your finances, in the week running up to Christmas.

“Making a list, checking it twice”

Once you have a budget, make a list of friends and family for whom you wish to purchase gifts and how much you think you can afford to spend on each person. Remember those who have been particularly helpful through the year, and don’t forget to include a few extra gifts under the tree just in case someone shows up unexpectedly. Sometimes, you receive a gift from someone not on your list and feel obliged to reciprocate.

Avoid borrowing if possible

Don’t borrow money just to pay for a great Christmas. Be realistic and spend what you can comfortably afford today without going into debt. It is usually better to pay with cash to purchase toys and other gifts, rather than to borrow, as the interest cost will make everything more expensive.

It’s the thought that counts not the amount

Most people appreciate a thoughtful gift, something that lifts them and demonstrates love and care, not wealth. Often, gifts of great sentimental value, such as framed photographs, a potted plant, or a special book or CD, aren’t that expensive.

It is also a way of teaching your children by example that thoughtfulness is more important than price. Encourage them to use their talents and present handmade crafts or delicious edible gifts such as homemade biscuits for their grandparents, aunts, and uncles who will treasure these gifts.

Give away “unwanted” gifts

If you look in your cupboards you are bound to find loads of gifts you never found a use for from birthdays and Christmas’ past. There may be sets of cutlery, juicers, engraved glasses that are still in their original boxes that will make ideal gifts this Christmas.

Open any gifts you receive early and rewrap the ones that you will not use and give them to others who will really appreciate them – make sure you keep a list of what came from whom to avoid the embarrassment of giving Uncle Celestine back the same basket of plastic fruit he gave to you!

Christmas Bonus

It’s always nice to have some extra cash over the holiday season. If you are fortunate enough to receive a Christmas bonus or 13th month salary this year, don’t spend it all; put it to good use. It is tempting to plough it all into Christmas festivity, but by spending your entire bonus on short-term expenses, you could be forfeiting a great opportunity for build your savings. After indulging yourself a little, invest the balance in something that will contribute to your long-term financial security.

Gifts that keep giving

The pressure from children to buy the latest high-tech gadget, smart phones, and toys can be overwhelming. Presents that improve personal finances are an ideal gift at Christmas; not only do they outlast expensive toys and gadgets, but they may continue to give, long after the wrappings have been thrown away.

The gift of stock or a lump sum mutual fund investment is a thoughtful financial gift to a young child and could be the start of a rewarding long-term savings plan.

A mutual fund is a professionally managed fund that pools money from many investors and invests in investment securities such as stocks, bonds, and money market instruments. Choose a fund managed by a reputable company with a sound track record. The fund manager will advise you on the most appropriate fund for your purpose. Decide on how much you want to invest, and complete an application form. The company will issue you with a certificate in respect of the investment; this can be presented to the beneficiary.

It’s not very pleasant to have someone dampening your enthusiasm and telling you to be careful and control your spending, but here is a word of caution; many Nigerian families will still be paying for their Christmas indulgencies well into 2011. There is still time to get your finances in some kind of order before the festivities start. Don’t wait until the last minute.

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