49. That’s the amount of days until Christmas and like previous years I finished my Christmas shopping a few weeks ago and are all ready to get wrapping this weekend. Now before you set out to lynch me I have very good reason for being organised; as a full-time blogger it’s not all about press events and snapping your latest poolside selfie. Being self-employed means I’m responsible for planning ahead both schedule wise and financially – that includes allowing for costs and taxes but also planning affordability throughout the year to spread the cost of Christmases, birthdays etc.
Alexander & Co accountants in Manchester have come up with a nifty guide of top tips for Christmas: budgeting and saving. I’m pretty disciplined when it comes to the festive period but since having Boo I must admit to indulging my fair share of “Oh, but she’s so going to love it” moments aka lets panic buy an extra four presents in the dying days before Christmas because I’m convinced Boo has secretly been wanting X, Y or Z and it will just complete the day. Word of advice: Children aren’t toy snobs, sometimes the simplest of gifts can bring the greatest of joy.
I’m loving the cutting out of unnecessary Christmas presents; as far as I see it, the less presents you have to buy means more festive Prosecco and I’m yet to find someone who wouldn’t be in favour of that idea.
I’m always slightly dubious of people who at the beginning of December start moaning that they haven’t begun their Christmas shopping and are concerned at just how much it’s all going to cost. Planning ahead, spreading the cost and doing some research into the gifts you want to buy really does help you to stay ahead of the festive game.
Fabulous festive family fun doesn’t have to come at a high price or level of stress; all that’s needed is some clever financial planning; after all Prosecco tastes all the more better when it’s been planned for a few months in advance.
Disclosure: A fee was received for this post.
