By Jayne Thomson,Linda Howard
Copyright birminghammail
The countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway, and with the prospect of impending social gatherings and presents to purchase, it’s no shock that the festive period is one of the priciest times of the year. Many folks often feel the financial strain long after the festivities have ended and January rolls around. It’s hardly surprising that the start of the new year is the busiest time for debt help charities, as people struggle to deal with the December splurge. Despite the ongoing cost of living crisis, individuals are predicted to spend an average of £600 on Christmas-related goods and activities. If that seems a tad lavish and you’re seeking a quick way to save money with 105 days left until the big day, here are some straightforward tips to lighten the financial load and give your bank balance a lift. READ NEXT: Full list of the best 50 West Midlands pubs you really should try – for a very good reason Some of these suggestions involve ditching an expensive habit like drinking, buying coffee or lunch out, or smoking. However, on the practical side, reducing the weekly food shop or swapping out big brand names for store own labels can help bolster your finances. Five ways to boost your festive finances, reports the Daily Record . Going teetotal might just be the trick to getting you a bit of extra cash just in time for Christmas . On average Brits spend around £15.30 a week on alcohol, if you multiply this by the eight weeks left until Christmas Day, you can save over £100, £122.40 to be exact, just by not drinking alcohol. Not only will it be a boon to your bank balance, but it’ll also make that Christmas Day tipple taste even better. Brits have certainly cultivated a robust coffee culture over the years, with oat flat whites and matcha lattes becoming a daily necessity for many. But what’s the cost? With the average Brit splashing out £3.40 a day on a cup of joe, this adds up to £23.80 a week. While it might not seem like much for such a vital part of some people’s routine, if you were to ditch the habit now, you could actually pocket £204 – that’s your Christmas groceries sorted. With a pack of 20 cigarettes now setting you back between £13 and £19, it’s certainly not a cheap vice for smokers, especially considering the average smoker puffs on around 10 cigarettes every day. Not only is it better for your health, but giving up smoking can also bring significant financial benefits. With the average smoker shelling out around £52.50 on cigarettes a week, kicking the habit this week could save you a massive £420. If you’re aiming to quit for good, then alternatives like nicotine pouches are a fantastic option. They’re not only smoke-free and discreet compared to cigarettes, but they’re also cheaper, meaning you’ll be able to save money while quitting too. Purchasing lunch at work is often a matter of convenience for many, but whether you’re partial to a sandwich or a salad, these meal deals can quickly add up to more than you’d anticipate. On average, British workers shell out around £21 weekly on their lunches. By preparing your own lunch from now until Christmas, you could pocket a substantial £168. Leftovers are a cost-effective option, and if you’ve prepped meals, there might be additional savings to be had. Autumn is an ideal time to reassess your wardrobe, stow away your summer attire and bring out the winter gear. But why not earn a bit of extra cash in the process? Apps like Vinted and Depop offer a great way to rake in some additional funds ahead of the festive season, with some users even earning up to £800 monthly. However, on average, if you manage to sell items for as little as £4 on Vinted, up to five times a week, then over the eight weeks leading up to Christmas, you could bolster your bank balance by £160.
