I am always on the hunt for ways to improve myself and my situation. I've tried biohacking to improve my physical and mental wellbeing, various exercises from weight training at the gym to hot yoga (my current fave for those of you who aren't following me on social media) but sometimes, no matter what we attempt, there will always be something that stresses us out.
With Christmas on the horizon and work wrapping up for the year, there are a lot of holiday stresses, from choosing the right presents for the right person, to managing your finances.
As an entrepreneur and someone who has learnt a lot about managing personal finance over the years, I thought I'd share a few of my top tips this holiday season, if not for this year, for next, to help you reduce your stress levels and reintroduce some joy into the season.
Top Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas
Set a Realistic Budget
*Identify Your Income: Consider your monthly income and any extra earnings from side hustles or bonuses.
*Prioritise Spending: Allocate funds for essential expenses like rent/mortgage, utilities, and groceries.
*Set a Gift Budget: Determine how much you can realistically spend on gifts for family and friends.
*Track Your Spending: Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your expenses throughout the holiday season.
Shop Smart and Save Money
*Create a Gift List: Make a list of people you want to buy gifts for and set a budget for each person.
*Shop Online: Compare prices and look for deals on online retailers.
*Use Coupon Codes and Cashback Apps: Maximise your savings with discounts and cashback offers.
Avoid Debt
*Resist Impulse Purchases: Stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary spending.
*Consider a Holiday Savings Account: Start saving early for next year's holiday expenses. I use Plum which is an AI savings account with instant withdrawal options.
Manage Holiday Stress
*Practice Mindfulness: Take time to relax and de-stress through meditation or yoga.
*Set Realistic Expectations: Don't strive for perfection.
*Delegate Tasks: Share the workload with family and friends.
*Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for yourself to recharge.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a more stress-free and financially responsible holiday season and start the new year fresh.
The true meaning of Christmas is about spending quality time with loved ones, not about material possessions so there's no reason to get into debt.
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