Mum reveals how she avoids the urge to overspend at Christmas

Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year and with it comes spending. This mummy reveals her top tips to avoid overspending this Christmas.
Share this article

Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year! Not only do you splurge on decorations for your house, but there’s also so much more food to be bought and cooked, as well as gifts to be bought for loved ones.

However, you don’t need to become the Grinch to avoid overspending at Christmas time!

Healthy Mummy star and 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge member Samara Syed shares some great tips on how to avoid the ever-present urge to splash the cash.

Reindeer Mummy and Lily

What Samara does to make sure she doesn’t overspend

Having been on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and 17kg* down, Samara is an expert at how to budget on all things food and getting prepared, so who better to turn to discover the best tips for saving during the largest spending month of the year?!

Here are Samara’s 6 tips to avoid overspending at Christmas:

1. Make a plan

What are your plans this Christmas? Accounting for all costs whether it be travel, special events, or specific foods. Figuring out what you will be doing and making a plan will make budgeting all the more pleasant.

“That way you can have a better idea of what it will all cost you and you can save and spend accordingly.”

2. Come up with a budget

Set yourself a budget and don’t go over! Include things you don’t think you’ll need to include like sticky tape, napkins, and cards or tags. This way you’re prepared for anything!

“Divide your overall budget into the different categories and stick to it. If something doesn’t fit, you may need to make sacrifices.”

3. Look for free activities

Your local area is brimming with activities and you may not even know it!

“Check out the local Christmas lights, craft fairs and markets. You can have a night out, without the costs!”

Christmas lights 

4. Gifts

It’s easy to go over the top when it comes to gifts! So a great idea to ensure you don’t overdo it is to write a list of names you want to buy for and a spending limit.

“I believe there are three different gift groups – family, friends, and co-workers. What I buy for my mum, will not be the same as what I will give to my co-worker. Set a spending limit for each group.”

5. Get crafty

Getting in amongst it actually is a great way to save. Getting your hands dirty and making gifts DIY style are often the most special as it really is the thought that counts. You could even try baking for a small gift, such as Christmas cookies or rolling some yummy treats. Samara’s favourite is the Christmas bliss balls.

“The time and effort will be appreciated and you will be able to save some money!”

6. Be prepared

Your freezer will become your best friend this Christmas. As there’ll be plenty of nights in the lead up to the holidays where you may start looking for shortcuts or convenience foods, the answer doesn’t have to be takeaway.

“Be prepared and start stocking your freezer NOW with lots of yummy healthy mummy favourites! This will not only save you time and money, but it will save you those unwanted extra calories.”

Samara’s 17kg weight loss success

samara-abs

Samara has lost an incredible 17kg* with the 28 Day Weight Loss ChallengeThe best part about the Challenge for Samara is that she has been able to customise the program – around her and her family’s needs, timetable and dietary requirements.

Samara admits, “After trying almost every other fad diet over the years, The Healthy Mummy really stood out to me because it is based around REAL food and made for REAL mums!

“I was not disappointed at all!”

If you are inspired by Samara’s before and after pics and want to take charge of your own health and weight – then join our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge TODAY.

To support your weight loss, The Healthy Mummy also has a range of delicious and good-for-you smoothies.

Healthy Mummy smoothie tubs

Our smoothie range offers an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients & important antioxidants. It does not contain any weight loss accelerants, caffeine gluten and is dairy free. It is also a non Genetically Modified product!

To learn more about our smoothies – click here.

To purchase one of our smoothies – click here

kickstarter challenge

Are you ready to become a Healthy Mummy?

Want to lose weigh and improve your energy and health?
Access 600+ guided & personalised fitness programs (beginner to advanced)

Know what to cook every meal
With family-friendly weekly meal plans and over 6,000 easy recipes developed by nutritionists

Get motivated, stay motivated
With support from MyCoach and MindPower features

Feel Supported 24/7
In our private support groups with other mums just like you

Join Now
Share this article

Be part of our friendly and supportive community

Want FREE delicious recipes, fitness tips and great specials?