Tips for a budget-friendly festive season

The festive season is a time to relax, celebrate and enjoy time with the people who matter most. But with the rising cost of living, it’s also a time when many households feel the extra financial pressure.

According to Moneysmart, adults in Australia expect to spend close to $800 leading into Christmas, and more than one in three plan to spend over $1,000. For anyone living week to week, that extra cost can change the season from joyful to stressful.

A little preparation goes a long way. With some thoughtful planning, you can enjoy the season without stretching your budget or starting the new year on the back foot. Here are some simple, practical steps to help keep your festive spending on track.

Map out your holiday spending

Start by planning your festive-season budget early. Mapping out your expected costs helps you avoid overspending and gives you time to spread purchases across the coming weeks.

Create a gift budget and start buying presents sooner rather than later. Early planning means you can take advantage of November sales—including Black Friday on 28 November—to reduce costs.

Once you know what you’ll need to spend, think about where that money will come from. You may need to temporarily pause some non-essential spending, like eating out, or find small ways to bring in extra cash. Popular options include selling unwanted items online, running a garage sale, or picking up a flexible side role like tutoring, pet sitting or dog walking.

Choose thoughtful gifts that don’t break the bank

Meaningful gifts don’t need to be expensive. Handmade, baked or personalised presents can be genuine, heartfelt and budget-friendly.

Think homemade treats, a plant cutting in a hand-painted pot, or even a beautifully written Christmas card. These gestures often mean more than high-priced gifts and help keep spending under control.

Plan your festive feast in advance

Christmas catering can be one of the most expensive parts of the holiday season. Having a clear meal plan—and shopping in advance—can help you stretch your budget further.

Stock up when items go on sale, especially products that typically increase in price closer to December. And if you’re hosting a larger gathering, ask guests to bring a dish. Most people love contributing, and it helps reduce both the cost and the workload.

Avoid relying on credit cards

It’s easy to overspend when you’re tapping a credit card without thinking about the balance. But high interest rates can make those festive purchases far more expensive in the long run.

Try sticking to cash or your debit card wherever possible. Paying with money already in your account helps keep your budget realistic and avoids a stressful bill in the new year.

Thinking about a bigger purchase?

If your wish list this year includes a new home or investment property, it’s worth lining up your finance early. As your mortgage broker, we can step you through your borrowing power, organise pre-approval and help you compare home loans that fit your goals.

Whether you're planning a move this summer or exploring options for 2026, we’re here to help.

Get in touch today to start the conversation.