December is just around the corner and, if you’re anything like us, you could’ve sworn it was January like five minutes ago. But there’s no need to panic—a savvy plan will set you up for fun and festivities. To put you on your merry way, we’ve teamed up with MONEYME to uncover ways to manage your money this season. MONEYME is a digital lender that is all about helping Aussies go after their goals. Its Freestyle virtual card allows you to do just that by being ready to use as soon as you’re approved. Feeling the festive spirit? Read on for four ways to manage your money as we head into the silly season.
Make A Plan (And Stick To It)
As the spending season approaches, put pen to paper and make a plan. Work out a budget for day-to-day spending as well as the likes of presents, socialising, holidays, and your festive manicure—if you’re that way inclined. Be realistic about what you can afford and where you might need to set boundaries or cut back—you don’t have to say yes to every event. Write a list of everyone you’d like to give gifts to and put a dollar figure you can afford next to each name. One of the surest ways to overspend is by waiting until the last minute. This applies to buying presents, booking getaways, putting an outfit together, and everything that goes hand-in-hand with the festive season. Not only are you more likely to overspend, but it makes an already stressful time of year even more so. Our tip? Nab presents early in Black Friday sales and keeps an eye on flight offers to make your dollars go further—literally.
Track Your Spending
Once you’ve sussed your game plan and budget, hold yourself accountable by regularly checking in. By keeping an eye on your expenses, you can see if you’re on track and identify areas where you might be able to save your pennies. Go old-school and highlight statements or take the hassle out with an expense tracker app. There’s an array to choose from with most automatically categorising your transactions and providing a summary of your spending—such as groceries, dining out, and entertainment. In the lead up to Christmas, your regular budgeting check-ins are also a great time to reference your list of presents. If you’re over on the assigned dollar figures, be prepared to adjust what you spend on your remaining gifts… or see below!
Get Speedy Rewards When You Need To Spend Big
Spending money during the festive season is inevitable. There’s joy in giving loved ones thoughtful gifts and it is—of course—the season to eat, drink, and be merry. Take note of the savvy ideas above and, if you are spending money, consider getting more bang for your buck with a card that has rewards. MONEYME is a digital lender that is all about helping Aussies go after their goals. MONEYME offers a Freestyle virtual credit card that gives you up to 40% back when you shop at more than 2000 participating stores
Retailers include go-to faves, such as The Iconic, Myer, Apple, and even Woolies. Better yet, they won’t leave you hanging—your credit shows in your account within days. To find out more about MONEYME Freestyle, head over here.
Get Creative
This is where the magic happens. There are countless ways to get creative with partying, presents, and everything in between. While we love a good night out, it doesn’t need to be the default. Host a cocktail night at home and get guests to channel their inner mixologist by preparing a round each. For events, hire or borrow your outfit—a win for your wallet and a win against fast fashion. Pitch the idea of doing a Secret Santa within your family, friend group, or workplace to cut back on gift giving. You could even assign a theme to the exchange, such as homemade, supporting local, or novelty mugs. Alternatively, join forces—or should we say join wallets—by going in on gifts together. The combined budget allows for a more quality, considered present. Often, the age-old saying “your presence is your present” rings true. Give the gift of time with a ‘voucher’ for a night of babysitting, a home-cooked meal, or an arvo of helping your Gran with her tech woes.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by MONEYME and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here. MoneyMe Financial Group Pty Ltd ACN 163 961 236 holds Australian credit licence number 442218.