Create a Christmas budget in under 30 minutes
Download our free Christmas Budget Template
Nail your Christmas budget in under 30 minutes and give yourself the ultimate gift, less stress, more festive vibes, and a January free from a financial hangover.
Are you still trying to figure out who to buy for, what to buy, how much to spend, and, most importantly, how to afford it? You’re not alone! Christmas budgeting might sound about as festive as untangling fairy lights, but you know what? It’s the gift that keeps on giving, especially when January rolls around and you’re avoiding that dreaded post-holiday financial hangover.
The good news? Getting on top of your festive finances is easier than you think, all you need is a plan.
Step 1: Download our free Christmas Budget Template
To get started, download our free Christmas Budget Template; your shortcut to festive financial sanity. It’s designed to do all the heavy lifting for you, so all you have to do is fill in the blanks. Think of it as your personal budgeting elf.
Step 2: List all your holiday expenses
Start with the obvious:
- Gifts: create a gift list for family, friends, teachers, and maybe the neighbour who kept those Christmas parcels safe for you.
- Festive food: from roast dinners to snack platters, don’t forget to budget for all your holiday feasts.
- Travel costs: whether it’s a road trip to see family, petrol for cruising the Christmas lights, or Uber rides to those cheeky festive drinks, you’re covered no matter where you end up!
- Decorations: twinkly lights, baubles, and all the sparkly bits that turn your home into a festive wonderland.
And don’t forget those sneaky extras: charity donations, Secret Santa swaps, a new outfit for Christmas Day or even the kids’ Christmas concerts.
Step 3: Set realistic holiday spending limits
Channel your inner Scrooge (just a little). How much can you comfortably spend on each category without turning January into a financial strain? Remember, the best gifts aren’t measured by their price tag, it’s the thought that counts. If you’ve ever received a handmade card from a toddler, you know it’s true!
Step 4: Check your savings
Have a festive fund ready to go? Fantastic! Starting from scratch? No problem. Just work out what you can afford to spend without dipping into your emergency fund.
Step 5: Track every dollar spent
Tracking every dollar spent isn’t just about keeping things tidy; it’s about spotting where you’ve come in under budget. Found a gift for less than planned? That’s extra cash toward Christmas lunch or maybe a little treat for yourself. Self-care anyone?
Plus, keeping a record of this year’s spending can be a real timesaver for next year’s budget planning, no more guessing how much you’ll need to set aside!
Celebrate a stress-free Christmas with your budget sorted
You’ve just smashed out a Christmas budget in under 30 minutes, go ahead, high-five yourself and enjoy the festive vibes! A solid budget isn’t just about saving; it’s your plan to avoid overspending and enjoy the holiday season without money worries.
Get your free Christmas Budget Template today
Ready to take control of your festive finances? Download our free Christmas Budget Template today and enjoy a Christmas filled with joy, not financial regret. With this simple plan, you’ll start the new year in a stronger position, no credit card blues in sight.
Get the family involved by sharing fun Christmas stocking stuffer ideas for organising a Secret Santa. It’s a great way to keep costs down while adding that unique, personal touch to the season.
Happy budgeting, and may your Christmas be merry, bright, and blissfully under budget!
It’s not too late, here’s how MyBudget can help!
Don’t let money worries dim your holiday spirit. MyBudget has helped over 130,000 Australians take control of their finances and achieve their goals, whether it’s planning a magical Christmas, paying off debt, or building long-term savings.
Our expert team can help you create a personalised budget that keeps your holidays joyful and your finances on track. Enquire online today or call us on 1300 300 922 and let MyBudget help you create a festive plan that works. It’s never too late to make this your most magical Christmas yet!
Cheryl is part of the MyBudget Corporate Finance team, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. A big fan of side hustles, her own is writing for MyBudget, where she shares insights from her personal journey through separation, single parenting, and surviving cancer.