The festive season, with all its excitement, joy and indulgence, is around the corner. Shops are buzzing, menus are being planned and the pressure is on to make sure that everything is just perfect. But it might not be all moonshine and roses in your corner of the world. Many of us are still struggling to get through one of the toughest years in living memory, with no extra cash for lavish festivities. In fact you might be battling just to cover day-to-day expenses. So how do you make magical memories with family and friends without adding to your financial stress? We’ve got you covered.
GENERATE SOME MAD MONEY
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, they say. Selling what you don’t need or use is a great way to generate some extra cash, which you can then put to good use over this time. Start at one side of your home and work your way through, room by room. Everything you haven’t used in the past six months is probably unnecessary and can be sold. You might want to keep some sentimental items, but err on the side of ruthlessness. The extra cash will come in very handy.
PLAN YOUR SPENDING
Know what you’re in for and make sure you don’t go over the amount you’ve set. One of the worst festive season traditions is to incur debt, which can take months to pay back. Divide your expenses into three categories: decorations, gifts and food, and set a budget for each one. Stick to it like glue.
USE YOUR LOYALTY POINTS
Used wisely, loyalty points can be a great bonus at the end of the year. If those points have built up during the year, use them over the festive season. This will save you having to fork out hard cash.
GET CREATIVE WITH DECORATIONS
Denne historien er fra November/December 2020-utgaven av Fairlady.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November/December 2020-utgaven av Fairlady.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
