PERSONAL FINANCE: Christmas and your finances

It's that time of year again; it comes around so quickly, doesn't it? For many, the approach to Christmas has become a time of too many expectations, and too much pressure. As the seasonal blitz with its attendant flashing lights, piped carols, and colourful ads, draws near, you find yourself caught up in the whirlwind of activity.

Whether you look forward with excitement to the shopping and preparations, or with some dread at all the disruption, stress and drain on your resources, be careful not to overspend. Here are a few suggestions on how to get through Christmas without throwing your finances into disarray.
Avoid last minute shopping
Are you one of those found in the shopping mall panic buying at 9.30pm on Christmas Eve? Let's try to change things this year. Shopping under pressure will lead you to overspend, and you are more likely to buy gifts that are not appreciated by the recipients. Shop early; if you begin now, you can shop around for more meaningful, appropriate gifts than you would find in a last minute shopping spree.
Acumulating gifts throughout the year eases the pressure, and you won't feel the strain of buying several presents all at once. By the time Christmas arrives, hopefully, you will have only a small amount of shopping left to do. After Christmas sales are also a useful way to prepare for next year, as many items are sold at much reduced prices in January.
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