I just lost my job, they were under paying me for over a year and have found out now they have decided to sack me.
So Christmas will be a little money poor this year, anyone have any ideas on best ways to save money
I just lost my job, they were under paying me for over a year and have found out now they have decided to sack me.
So Christmas will be a little money poor this year, anyone have any ideas on best ways to save money
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5 Replies
First there is lots of Christmas casual jobs this time of year, so try to pick up something to get you through.
In regards to cheap Christmas, here's the thing - we don't need all this shit inside every single house for it to be festive. Christmas decos and huge splendid trees, sleighs, all of that at shops and streets are enough. Don't be tempted to fedllikeyou have to buy it.
Presents - find out what your child wants then find the decent but cheap option of it. Steer away from toys and plastic junk. Look on eBay and gumtree and op shops.
Then add a toy, a book, a water play, and a puzzle/game.
I buy the filler presents Second hand or on eBay.
I also use Kmart to buy cheap musical instruments and games and water play things.
Don't overdo stockings. It all adds up, keep it simple to just a chocolate and lollies one, or a colouring book and paints, or some family food - big boxes of chocs and biscuits, but limit it or it will get out of hand.
Don't overdo gifts - they don't need a room busting full of presents, remember the big picture, this is one day of the year, don't break yourself financially for a 'look'.
A few presents each, and maybe some gift vouchers through the year, if money's tight, even a day at game on or flip out it doesn't have to be the zoo or a show if budget won't allow for it.
Food - if you're broke, buying a feast because you're pressured is the craziest thing I've ever heard, and many will do it, or feel the pressure to. Break out of it!! Do a BBQ, a curry, start something new, cook upbacon and eggs for breakfast, make jelly and icecream, or hot chocs with marshmallows and a Christmas movie, don't over shop because you feel like you have to.
There are apps for Santa, free community parades and santas. $1 advent calendars.
Craft decorations, cotton ball snow, Bunnings box fireplace, paper chains, it's all kids need.
If you have family maybe ask them to use their present to play Santa this year to get a 'big shared item'.
Money is tight for us this year too, plus we left Xmas shopping a bit late 😐
Everything is just going to be low key this year - I'll buy food I know we'll enjoy, like a ham from woollies and salad. It's just our family of 5 (us parents, 3 kids) that eats lunch at my place so we keep is casual. If you're having family over ask them to bring something, like meat, side dishes, deserts, nibblies etc.
In terms of gifts, in our family we only buy for the children and my grandmother because she does so much for everyone lol.
I've had a field day in Kmart this year, especially in the stationary section - the stuff is all very aestheticly pleasing but dirt cheap. Other than that I'm trying to focus on things I know they'll get good use out of rather than the fads they just had to have last year, ie. Books, crafts, cheap dvds (jb hi-fi have some kids ones for $6-$10 atm), out door stuff like footballs and other balls, inflatable pool, totem tennis etc, beach toys, new goggles and bathers, new backpacks and lunchboxes for school next year (saves a bit of cash then too).
Don't put too much pressure on yourself either, kids don't remember the "stuff" they remember being with their families and having fun.
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/how-we-help-you.
Others have ideas for Christmas. This one is to jam a stick up the ass of the rip off fuckers and get what you should have to start with.
Good luck.
Already seeing a lawyer :) just so sad and depressed as this was my dream job. And now I feel like Xmas is ruined
Wow! That sucks big time!
We are a bit tight this year too. I've been buying one present each fortnight for the kids (practical stuff like new school bags, but spent a little extra and got them bags they like) so they have something under the tree.
I've also been buying one thing each week for Christmas dinners/lunches each week as we'll have the in-laws up over Christmas the food bill will be high. Once the food is gone, visitors will either have to buy more to stay longer or go home. 😂
Meals will be simple and cooked from scratch. I'm shopping specials and storing meats in the freezer. We can do this as we have a little savings left. Not too sure what will happen when the savings run out.
Just remember the kids remember the time spent together more than the presents and food. Have fun with the little you have. We'll be playing a lot of backyard cricket and soccer.