FORMER high-flyer Kel Galavan quit her job in 2018 – but still managed to save an astonishing £24k.
The ex-high flyer is from Kildare which is 30 miles west Dublin. He lives with Dave (43), an IT worker and their two children, aged 10 & 7.
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Exhausted by the rat-race, and wanting to spend more quality time with her family, she quit a job that she loved and started a new career as a money-saving expert.
She said, “My mission was cut our outgoings so I could afford to remain at home.
“In just 12 months, we saved more than £4,000 on beauty plus another £20,000 on clothes, takeaway coffees, meals out, childcare, and holidays.
“It was the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
Christmas can be a difficult and costly time of the year. Many people feel exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed, or very broke.
“So before you rush out the door to grab up every ‘must have’ item and wishlist luxury gift, which is a recipe for becoming totally bankrupt, by the way. Instead, make a change this year, consider how much you can afford, and plan how to pay for it. To help with this, here are some of my top tips on how to save money at Christmas.”
Avoid unnecessary gifts
Avoid giving Christmas gifts!
Now we’re not talking about our nearest and dearest.
This does not include your grandparents or parents, but rather the large group of friends, extended family, and colleagues that you barely know. Remember that Christmas is all about cheering on loved ones and not getting into debt.
We need to end onerous giving and think about what we’re giving, to whom and why.
Rethink what gifts you give
If you’re stressing over what to get a loved one, remember gift-giving creates an obligation on the receivers to give back, whether they can afford it or not.
Sometimes, none is the best gift. Sometimes the best gift you could give is to let go of the pressure.
It is possible to make an exception. ‘no unnecessary present Promise’ (NUPP) with friends and work colleagues if that’s not a runner agree to a Secret Santa with a max spend of £10 on gifts.
Concentrate on the experiences
Focus on the experience, not the gift. Take a friend out for coffee, or for a lunch at an early hour and offer to pay.
You can enjoy their company and make them feel special.
Free Christmas gift vouchers if you swap your cheque book
Gifts don’t have to equal big bucks.
It’s a great idea to create a chequebook with special items that you know will be appreciated by the recipient.
Breakfast in bed, cleaning out the garage, or cooking dinner are all possible gifts.
Each year, buy one unique decoration
This is my personal favorite. Instead of buying a lot of beautiful tree decorations, get each member to choose (or make) a special ornament.
You could, for example, choose one that is linked to something special about the year.
Your tree will grow into a wonderful collection of memories that you can add to year after year.
Haven’t used it since last year? Flog it.
There are many items that we don’t use or have left behind.
If it’s just taking up space in your life for no reason, you may as well move it on.
You get extra money for the holiday season and someone gets something they need for a fraction the price.
Many platforms allow you to move unwanted items to a new location, such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Enjoy Christmas at a fraction of the price with children
The most memorable thing for kids is the time they spent with their families.
Christmas light drives
Nighttime drives past twinkling houses are a great way to see the colourful lights and creative gardens.
Christmas enthusiasts spend a lot of time decorating their homes with glowing reindeer and bright lights.
Take a spontaneous drive in your car and take in the sights.
Christmas movie nights
There’s nothing like the warmth of a blanket wrapped around you, flicking on the fairy lights, and cuddling up with a Christmas movie.
The cheesier the better. Hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream makes it even more special.
Nothing beats snuggling up to The Polar Express with a cup of hot chocolate.
Festive traditions
Other Christmas traditions include a night at the fire and reading ‘The Night before Christmas’. Give clues so it looks like Santa is there.
He’s such a pro at shooting down the chimney; he rarely leaves clues that he’s come to call.
You can leave clues such as glitter or flour around their fireplace, or sneak up on them in their bedroom with jingle bells once they’re gone to bed.
Winter fun
You can make your own Christmas decorations or cookies and get rid of boredom.
There’s no need to spend a fortune on transforming your place into a TV-worthy advert.
You can create amazing Christmas traditions by dressing up for a winter forest hike. You can collect a lot of fir cones and paint them, then decorate your house with them.
Camp out under the Christmas tree the night it’s up.
Nothing says Christmas more than the moment you set the tree up. You can make memories of adventure by camping out under the twinkly lights in your living area. It doesn’t have to be the first night; any night will work.
Make a checklist and double-check it!
Impulse shopping can be costly and risky for your budget.
Make a list of all the things and gifts you need this holiday season.
Remember, shops spend vast amounts targeting our impulse spending tendencies – a list helps you beat them.
Get your Christmas organization started as soon as possible
You can plan without panicking, spread out the cost over several months and reduce your chance of getting credit.
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Check out this Christmas news article to see how much the average Brit spends on Christmas.
Plus, Mum shares her 11-year-olds VERY detailed Christmas list with £25k trainers and £500 jumper.
Unbeknownst to the kids, a father reveals his secret trick to get them to behave around Christmas. He wraps empty boxes in paper and throws them in the fire if they aren’t good.
FABULOUS BINGO: GET A £5 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED