How To Save Money At Christmas Time
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, except when you are a broke student who can’t afford anything. But don’t fret, there are plenty of ways to save money while still being able to treat those you love and of course yourself.
1.Get A Job
Christmas is a stressful time for those who work in retail. So, just about every retail shop need extra help around the time of joy. Many places will actually take you without much experience too. Do a round of CV dropping in big shopping centres like Jervis or Liffey Valley, chances are somewhere will hire you.
We know saying “get a job” is easier said than done this year, but a lot of retailers are struggling to keep up with online deliveries and click and collect services. Show some initiative and email through a cover letter and CV to shops that you know are operating online. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Read our tips on how to get a job.
2. Use That Student Discount
People know that it isn’t easy for us to earn a lot while we study, so there will be massive student discounts on nearly everywhere. so, be on the lookout. Always ask when buying something if they have a student discount because in the long run it will save you billions. Find out about the best student discounts.
3. Presents Don’t Always Have To Be Something Physical
You can offer to do a free babysitting gig for your younger siblings, or even for your cousins as a present. It doesn’t sound like much but to them it means they can have a night out without worry. For neighbours you can walk their dogs or help with odd jobs. Not something you can hold in your hand, but still very valuable and thoughtful.
4. Get Budget Friendly Presents
I’m not saying be a cheap-skate and get people second-hand sheets, but Penneys and McCauley’s do great Christmas time presents, usually sets of soaps or mugs with hot chocolate in them. They are small, meaningful and don’t burn a hole in your pocket.
5. Days Out Are Presents
For friends and family, days out with you can be like presents. Promise them that you will go out for a movie or for some food sometime in a card. It doesn’t cost you the world and it also gives you some wiggle room to get some extra cash before this day out happens.
6. Grandparents Love Homemade Things
You don’t have to be Michelangelo to make a nice card for your granny or granddad. They love it because it came from your heart and you love it because it didn’t end up costing anything.
7. Never Underestimate The Power of The Sales
A little tip, once Christmas is over the whole world seems to go into crazy sale mode. January is the best time to get some small presents that are cheap as hell and put them away in the attic until next year. It may seem strange, but believe me if you want to save money this is a great way to go about it.
Have you any tips to save money at Christmas time?