12 Top Tips To Make Sure Santa Claus Is The Only One In The Red This Christmas

Tricia Phillips looks at ways to keep the cost of this year's festivities under control

THE cost-of-living crisis means we're all having to be careful with our cash, and as we head towards Christmas, many will be worrying about how to get through without a financial hangover in the new year.

With just weeks to go until the big day, now is the time to get your festive spending plan in place, so you can get through without getting into debt with a budget you can afford.

1.Set budgets... and stick to them

It's easy to get caught up in all the hype as shops pull out the stops to try to make you spend big. Ignore the Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions as they are simply ways of trying to get you to part with your hard-earned cash for things you don't really need.

Buying something just because it's discounted isn't the best strategy. The trick is to work out a budget of how much you can afford to spend and keep within that limit.

2. Don't be swayed by TV adverts

Big stores are pushing the "musthave" expensive computer games consoles and suggesting store cards charging eye-watering interest rates. This sales pressure just puts unnecessary pressure on cashstrapped families.

Be realistic and if you can't afford it, don't buy on the basis that you don't want to lose face or must keep up with the Joneses. You won't thank yourself when your January and February wages are wiped out trying to pay off Christmas excesses.

3. Use reward points

When was the last time you cashed in your Nectar points, Tesco Clubcard rewards or Boots Advantage points? Check the balances now and see how much it you've got may be more than you thought.

Now's great time to put all rewards to good use.

4. Agree a spending limit

Keep costs down by agreeing a limit on the amount you'll spend on each other with friends and family or perhaps agreeing to only buy for children.