Top 5 Tips For Spreading The Cost This Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, you are probably already wondering how you are going to pay for the gifts and items for everyone on the gift list. With this said, there are a number of ways to spread the cost over the holiday season so that you aren't burdened with one giant bill to pay off at once.

These are the top 5 tips for spreading the cost this Christmas, and affording everything you want (and need) to buy.




1. Catalogue shopping

With many online catalogues offering to finance for up to 36 months (or longer), you can truly spread the cost out. Not only that, but most catalogues sell a variety of items so you can buy several gifts on the shopping list, all in one place, rather than having to visit several department stores. Some offer interest-free credit too.

2. Online Surveys

Ever done online surveys? Seems foolish to many, but many companies are willing to pay you for your opinion or enter you for a prize draw. So, if you get a survey after shopping, consider doing it. Survey sites are worth signing up for and not only will many companies gift you gift cards or money back options, they will also offer free gifts in many cases as well.



3. Credit cards

Sure, you don't want to use them, but for many, this is an option they need. Many credit cards will offer the option for 0% interest-free financing, especially for a balance transfer. So, if you qualify for free financing, and pay off the entire balance by the promotional period, you won't have to worry about high-interest charges looming over you either. Watch out for an arrangement fee though.

4. Department store cards

They are typically very easy to qualify for, and most stores offer free promotional periods, meaning no interest if you pay the item off (typically 6 to 12 months with most stores). Some department stores offer an additional percentage discount (5 to 10% off) when you use their store card too. So, it is a double bonus as you don't have to worry about interest, and you receive an additional discount simply for using the store card.

5. Layaway

Many retailers offer the 'layaway' payment option for their shoppers. If you are purchasing a large gift, like a gold necklace, a gaming system or pricey electronics, you can pay it off over time. Some retailers offer weekly payment options, others offer monthly options. If you visit stores now, not only do you have about three months to pay off the entire purchase, most retailers offering the layaway payment option do not charge interest as long as you pay off the entire item prior to picking it up. I know when I had my own jewellers we did this and it is often seen in independent stores.

These are a few simple, and creative ways for you to go about holiday shopping this year. Not only will it allow you to buy all the items and gifts on your holiday shopping list, but it also allows you to save on interest, and receive great promotions and discounts when shopping. Consider shopping early, and getting these purchases out of the way now, so you can take advantage of these different methods of spreading out the cost of holiday shopping this year.

Do you use any of these methods wisely to spread the cost of Christmas?

24 comments

  1. I do surveys and get paid a small amount each time. It really adds up and they pay in vouchers which are great for saving up for Christmas gifts.

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  2. Some great tips. I'm going to start my xmas shopping next week. I can't say i've seen layaway much in this country though? x

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    1. Small independent shops do it more often than bigger companies. When I had more own jewellers we did it there.

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  3. I usually buy throughout the year or pinch hubbies work bonus for Christmas!

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    1. Buying throughout the year is a great way of spreading costs.

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  4. I use Layaway quite often Toys R Us do a brilliant layaway service.

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  5. A great set of tips... I haven't gotten as far as thinking about Christmas yet though >_< That said, we're going away, so it's kind of like the Christmas present already!

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  6. Great tips - Christmas can be such an expensive time but the cheapest way is to not buy any presents at all!! Ha ha ha.

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    1. That is one way not to get into debt but I guess we do feel obliged to buy presents for our loved ones :) it is Christmas after all.

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    2. Spreading the cost makes things easier. I would never advocate going into debt for Christmas though.

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  7. great tips. Christmas can be so expensive so having ways to spread the cost is brilliant x

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    1. Yes it can be very expensive, so I always spread the cost myself. I buy supermarket vouchers too. In December if you have a full card you can get some free vouchers.

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  8. These are some fantastic tips - I used to be great at saving through the year but I've lately lost the knack. x

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    1. I think it can be hard to be discliplined to do this but it is worth the effort.

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  9. Christmas is a super expensive time, I think online shopping saves an absolute fortune.

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  10. not really; we try not to overspend only because it is Christmas

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  11. Great tips - I always spend way too much on the children at Christmas. I can't believe it's coming around again! Kaz x

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  12. My Mum always used to do catalogues for Christmas and it makes so much sense! I just get over excited and buy everything online. That said, this year I plan on making everything... Eek!

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