It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the costliest for many. You’ve got to buy a big turkey (and all the trimmings...), fill the cupboards with treats for the holiday season, organise entertainment for the kids while they’re off school, pay for the house to be heated during day and of course, buy presents. The spending never seems to stop!

As we’re approaching the final pay day before Christmas, now is a good time to think about the ways you can cut down on your outgoings to help you navigate the festive season without dipping into your savings.

Write a shopping list

Plan what you’re going to eat for the week ahead, work out exactly what food you need, and write a shopping list before you go to the supermarket. It’s tempting to get distracted by offers and deals when you’re shopping and more often than not, you can end up buying things you don’t need. You could also include your lunches in the plan and start taking a packed lunch into work. It’s easy to pop out and buy a sandwich during the day, but the cost soon adds up and it’s much cheaper to make it yourself.

Get on your bike

Can you cycle to work, or jump on your bike to run your errands on the weekend rather than driving? It’s chilly out, but if you wrap up warm and pop on a high res jacket, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on petrol.

Host a movie night

Looking for a fun activity to do with the kids on Saturday night? Host a movie night rather than heading to the cinema. Make your own popcorn and snacks and snuggle down on the sofa with the lights off and volume up for the real experience. Recent research we conducted found that millennials are already saving up to £50 a month by opting to stay in and watch Netflix rather than going out – give it a go!

Look at your monthly bills

When was the last time you checked how much you’re paying for energy and insurance? If it’s been more than a year, you could probably save money by using a price comparison website to shop around and switch suppliers. It’s really quick and easy – but could save you £100s.

Make your own Christmas decorations

You can spend a fortune decking your house out with decorations as the festive seasons kicks off in earnest, but there’s no need. You can make your own decorations which will look just as good and cost you a fraction of the price – it’s also a great way to entertain the kids on a Sunday afternoon. Check out our blog post for some ideas here.