Christmas Shopping Tips: How to stay smart and stress-free this festive season
Published on Fri Nov 22 2024 in Lifestyle
The festive season is upon us, and for many, that means the rush to tick off Christmas shopping lists. While it’s a time of celebration, it can also bring its share of stress—especially if you’re juggling multiple tasks like wrapping up work for the year, preparing for family gatherings, and managing your finances.
This Christmas, why not make the process a bit easier and more thoughtful? Here are some smart tips to help you shop for presents without the stress, and keep your budget in check.
1. Plan ahead to avoid the last-minute rush
One of the easiest ways to avoid the Christmas shopping chaos is to plan ahead. Begin making your gift list early—ideally, by mid-November—so you can spread out your purchases over a few weeks. Shopping early means you’ll have time to shop around for the best deals, and you’ll be able to avoid the last-minute panic that can lead to overspending.
2. Set a budget and stick to It
It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of Christmas shopping, but a little planning can help you avoid those post-Christmas financial regrets. Set a realistic budget for how much you want to spend on each person. Factor in other holiday expenses like food and travel, and don’t forget to account for things like decorations and cards.
Remember: the holidays are about spending quality time with loved ones—not breaking the bank.
3. Consider meaningful, long-lasting gifts
While it’s easy to get caught up in trendy or fleeting gifts, why not give something that offers long-term value? Practical gifts that can be enjoyed year-round, like life insurance policies or funeral cover for loved ones, are thoughtful ways to help ensure your family’s security and peace of mind. For example, you could consider giving a life insurance policy as a gift, providing your family with an extra layer of protection in case the unexpected happens.
These gifts may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they can have a profound impact on your loved ones' futures, offering them reassurance and financial stability.
4. Go for the Personal Touch
The best gifts often have a personal touch. Whether it’s something homemade, like a knitted scarf, or a custom gift like a photo album or framed family picture, personal gifts tend to hold more meaning than something that can simply be bought off the shelf.
Consider making a donation to a charity in someone’s name or supporting a local business with a thoughtful gift voucher. These types of gifts help create lasting memories while supporting the community.
5. Shop Local & Support NZ Businesses
When shopping for presents, consider purchasing items from local New Zealand businesses. Not only will you be supporting local artisans and small businesses, but you'll also be helping to boost New Zealand’s economy. Whether it's locally made food products, handcrafted goods, or experiences like cooking classes or scenic tours, the possibilities are endless.
Shopping locally also reduces the environmental impact of shipping goods from overseas, which is a win for both you and the planet.
6. Consider Future Security with Life Insurance and Funeral Plans
As the end of the year approaches, many people reflect on their financial situation and make plans for the future. Christmas is a great time to think about long-term security for your family. If you haven’t yet looked into life insurance or funeral cover, now might be a good time to start. A funeral cover ensures that your family won’t face unexpected financial burdens during a difficult time, and a life insurance policy can provide a safety net for your loved ones in the future.
Life insurance is one of those thoughtful gifts that doesn’t just protect your family in the event of the unexpected, but also provides peace of mind knowing that their needs will be taken care of.
The content provided in this article is for information purposes only. The information is of a general nature and does not constitute financial advice or other professional advice. To the extent that any of the content constitutes financial advice, it is limited to Momentum Life products only and does not consider your specific financial needs or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for you and seek independent professional advice, if required.
All product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Momentum Life website.