I am contiously learning lessons.
I hate spending money.
However, I think the truth is – I hate spending money on myself. When it comes to other people, I’m willing to go and blow loads of money.
This happened this Christmas, and it happened last Christmas.
Yes, I said it, the dreaded C-word and it’s November. Apologies to anyone who works in retail, who probably hates this time of year.
Because I like being economical, and I hate shopping, I tend to always do my Christmas shopping in one go. When really, I should spread it over a few months, because I can’t really afford to do these things:
Yeah. I love Kickstarter. Although, my main warning about it is:
Take note of when your backings end!
I did the daft thing of backing 2 that end in November, and because of it I um. Spend… more that I earned.
It’s not as bad as all that – I transferred some savings to my main account (you could say it was for Christmas presents, I’ll try to make a more solid Christmas present fund for next year) – but I know that I can transfer it back easily next month. But the point is, things like this shouldn’t happen. I’m an adult person.
So, my newest rule is – create a Christmas fund throughout the year rather than just blasting my October/November pay on it. What’s a good amount? A minimum of £300 and a maximum of £400 I think (so, £400 to be safe). So what, £30-£35 in savings a month? Easy enough. It’s a similar process to how I save for holidays.
Hooray!


Great idea about a Christmas fund – I definitely plan on starting one myself next year as I know my November pay will also take a bashing. Just one thing to suggest – if you do all your shopping in one go, try and do it through a cashback website. I try to do most of mine online and if I’m spending the money anyway, I might as well earn something back where I can – then it can go towards a next years present fund (or perhaps just a little present for me in the January Sales!)
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Cool idea – never thought of a cashback website – to be honest, I don’t know much about them. I used to do all my Christmas shopping online (in fact, I did this year) but sometimes it’s not always the best for me.
Thanks!
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