We know, we know…it’s only the end of September but we’re only trying to help. It’s never too early to mention Christmas.   🙂

We’ve put together some tips to help get you on track for the holiday season.

Make a list

For every family member, every friend, every colleague: everyone. Especially those who gave you a present last year.

But it’s not just people: make a list of what you’re getting for each person, too – ask friends and family for idea’s. This will help big time when your out and about shopping plus help to avoid a panic buy and overspend.

Set a budget and shop early

We all love strolling around the streets gazing at the Christmas decorations and getting your gifts wrapped at the checkout counter – but it’s much more relaxing to buy a couple of gifts at a time throughout October and November.

Set yourself goals and when you’re going to make purchases – you’ll find it’s much easier to track spend.

Keep an eagle eye on the sales

So many people get caught up in the madness of Black Friday and feel the need to shop on the last Friday of November – what if they miss a “bargain” otherwise?! Sales can be great, but don’t be desperate.

Go back to your list and stick to it. Most retailers advertise their best offers well in advance, so if you’ve known for a while that your daughter wants a laptop, add it to the list and wait.

Don’t run riot and buy everything in sight because it looks like a good deal – oftentimes stock is brought in for sales that isn’t worth what you’ll pay. Ask yourself: would I buy this at any other time of the year? Then go with the honest answer.

Buy in bulk

For the more generic gifts and tokens of appreciation for everyone from babysitters to coaches and ‘unexpected’ house calls, buy in bulk where you can.

Many retailers offer ‘6 for the price of 5’ on bottles of wine – 25% off when you buy 6 with some retailers – as well as ‘Buy one get one free’ on things like chocolates and biscuits. It will save you panic-spending €25 on a last-minute bottle of port because you’re too embarrassed to buy a bottle of plonk for someone…

Most importantly…treat yourself

Now that you’ve made savings and have lots of time over the Christmas period to relax, due of course to your outstanding planning and co-ordination, why not treat yourself. Nothing outrageous of course but something you’ll enjoy.

And remember…

If you need a little extra help this Christmas drop in and speak to one of our Lending team in First Choice Credit Union Ltd in Achil, Balla, Ballyhaunis or Castlebar, email us at loans@fccu.ie, call us on 094 9022 969 or simply apply online!