Christmas is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about the festive season – including buying wonderful presents for your beloved family and friends. There’s no denying that it’s an expensive time of year, but it doesn’t need to break the bank, even if you haven’t saved enough for Christmas quite yet. Christmas brings a lot of joy, but it could also be stressful if you’re trying to make every dollar count.
It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone, and if you’re looking for ways to save money this Christmas, then we’re here to help. Of course, that is often easier said than done. In 2020, the Salvation Army found that 41%1 of Australians were feeling financially stressed heading into the Christmas period, so you’re not alone if you’re wondering about how you’re going to make ends meet. Prepare for a sustainable Christmas that’s full of joy without the financial stress by reading on.
If you’re looking to make this Christmas one to remember, then it’s going to cost you. According to Finder2, Australians were expected to spend $23.9 billion on Christmas. It’s proof that festive joy doesn’t come cheap.
If you’re putting together a budget for Christmas, you’ll want to consider the costs of things like:
The best time to start saving for Christmas is as soon as you’re finished reading this article! Putting money aside each week can quickly add up, and you’ll be able to make this Christmas the best one yet. An easy way you can work out how much you should consider saving each month is by taking an amount you intend to save and dividing it by the weeks left in the year. That way, the figure doesn’t seem so overwhelming.
If you’re reading this in January, then you’ll most likely have enough cash for Christmas if you save a little bit each week. If you’re reading this with a couple of weeks to go until Christmas, you might want to consider a different solution, such as the VISA Platinum Credit Card. More on that in the next section.
Saving money for Christmas doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’ve ever felt like you want to understand where you’re spending money in your life, then Christmas is a fun excuse! Use our budget planner calculator as it could help you break down where you’re incurring excessive costs, and where you might be able to save some money. Be honest with yourself when filling out each field – while you might find the results slightly confronting at first (if you’re someone that hasn’t budgeted before), it could help you set yourself up for a fun-filled Christmas.
Some tips for saving money for Christmas include:
Looking for a way to access money now and pay it off later? It might be worth considering applying for the VISA Platinum Credit Card. The card offers a 55-day interest-free period (as long as you pay your account in full by the due date each month)^, a complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer membership* and the ability to earn more Qantas Points* as part of the Qantas Points Rewards Program. The VISA Platinum Credit Card also gives you access to 24/7 worldwide Visa Premium Concierge Service** and complimentary international travel insurance***. An annual fee of $199 applies^^.
If you’re looking for a card that won’t just get you through Christmas but could help you financially all year round, then it may be worth applying for one today. Christmas deserves to be a time of fun, not one that’s fraught with frustration. Access the funds you need to take Christmas to the next level today, so you can make memories that last a lifetime!
Want to learn more about the VISA Platinum Credit Card, and whether it’s right for you? Reach out by calling Qudos Bank on 1300 747 747.
[1] 8.1 million Aussies financially stressed this Christmas, but The Salvos are here to help | The Salvation Army Australia (https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/media-newsroom/8-1-million-aussies-financially-stressed-this-christmas-but-the-salvos-are-here-to-help/)
[2] Australia’s Christmas spending statistics 2021 | finder.com.au (https://www.finder.com.au/australias-christmas-spending-statistics)
As the information in this article is of a general nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.
Before opening an account with us, you should read our and Terms and Conditions for Savings Accounts and Payment Services and Financial Services Guide.
^ Up to 55 days interest free on purchases only applies if your account is paid in full by the due date each month. Excludes cash advances and BPAY transactions. Payment must be received by Qudos Bank by close of business.
* Qantas Points accrue in accordance with and subject to (1) for Visa Platinum Credit Card, the Visa Platinum Rewards Program Terms and Conditions (contained in the Credit Card Terms and Conditions) and (2) for Qantas Points Home Loan, Qantas Points Saver and Qantas Points Car Loan, the Qantas Points Banking Terms and Conditions. You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply, however, Qudos Bank has arranged to provide Qantas Frequent Flyer membership with the joining fee waived to Qudos Bank members who are not already a Qantas Frequent Flyer member and who apply at qantas.com/joinffqudos. Membership and the earning and redemption of Qantas Points are subject to the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program available online at qantas.com/terms. This offer is non transferable and not available in conjunction with any other offer. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership and each application is subject to approval by Qantas. Qudos Bank recommends that you seek independent tax advice in respect of the tax consequences (including fringe benefits tax, and goods and services tax and income tax) arising from the use of this product or from participating in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program or from using any of the rewards or other available program facilities. Qudos Bank is the issuer, offeror and administrator of the Qantas Points Banking Products and is a credit provider and credit licensee under National Consumer Credit laws.
** Access the 24/7 Visa Premium Concierge service in Australia on 1800 639 607. For country contact numbers and more information, visit their website.
^^ Annual fee charged upon account opening and annually thereafter.
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