How to Cut Your Costs During the Holiday Season

For most Brits, the holiday season usually equates to higher spending. Whether it's to purchase presents, host parties, or to buy new outfits to wear to those parties, December has countless people digging deeper into their pockets than any other time of year. What's more, higher spending in December also means that many people feel the post-holiday financial pinch in January. However, you don't have to emerge from this year's holiday season feeling that pinch, because there are ways to cut back on your spending - even during the holidays.

The single most costly expenditure for many people during the holidays is in gift-buying. With a number of people to buy gifts for, ranging from family members and friends to the host of a party you're attending, your list can grow quickly - which means so will your holiday expenses. It's important to keep in mind that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good gift. Opt for less expensive yet meaningful gifts, and your gifts are bound to be just as special to those receiving them. You might even consider giving homemade gifts, which are always more personal and usually don't cost much.

Another major cost during the holidays is in throwing parties - but this, too, can be done in a cost-efficient way. For instance, why take on the cost of all the food and drinks at your party, when you can opt to make it a pot luck-style event? Tell your guests to bring their favourite dish or a bottle of wine, and you can have a great holiday gathering without breaking the bank.

Of course, with all the holiday party invites, many people want to look their best - which often means splurging on a set of new outfits. Remember that you don't need a new outfit to don a new look at each party. The trick is in making sure what you initially purchase is versatile, so that you can wear it in various ways. For instance, instead of purchasing a set of party dresses, opt for one, classic black party dress that you can accessorise, dress up, dress down, and simply wear in different ways. Whether you add some funky tights, a fun cardigan, or colourful jewellery, no one has to know you're wearing the same dress over and over - a move that's sure to save you cash.

Finally, the holidays are a time for calling friends and family all over the world. So in order to cut down on holiday spending, ensure you have a good international calling plan in place. Whether you're looking to make cheap calls to Hong Kong or calls within Europe, there are many international calling services that offer competitive rates.

Ultimately, you don't have to make many major changes in order to save on the holidays. Just focus on lowering some of your highest holiday expenditures, and you're sure to be able to tell a difference with your finances come January.