100 days to go - Get your finances ready for Christmas

Christmas Day is just 100 days away and it’ll be here before you know it. So now’s the time to make sure you can enjoy the festive season without worrying about money.

But with so many expenses to juggle, from presents and decorations to food and travel, where do you start?

1. Set a budget and stick to it

Review your budget for the next few months and work out how much you’re likely to spend on regular expenses like household bills, groceries and subscriptions.

You’ll then have an idea of what’s left that can be used to pay for Christmas, what you can realistically afford and be able to set an upper limit on what you want to spend.

Last year, research by CeX found that more than half of Brits (55%) set a budget for Christmas shopping.

But nevertheless, more than four in ten (42%) admitted they typically go above their spending limit.

So while setting a budget is important, sticking to it is also crucial.

We’ve put together a guide to how to create a budget to help you get started.

And give our budget planner a try - it’s free and easy to use.

2. Start saving now

Nearly three-quarters of people don’t save specifically for Christmas, according to a survey by Paragon Bank.

But saving even just a small amount between now and mid-December could make a big difference.

For instance, you’d have nearly £300 in the bank if you put £20 away each week.

And if you might be tempted to spend this money before Christmas or on other expenses, you could even put it in a separate savings pot, rather than your regular account.

Check out our tips on how to get into a savings habit to find out more.

3. Make a gift list 

Instead of absent-mindedly picking up the odd gift here and there, write a list of each person you want to buy a present for and what you plan to get them.

Having everything in writing helps you avoid impulse buying and going over your budget, and lets you work out exactly how much you want to spend on each person.

4. Don’t wait to the last minute 

Almost one in ten people (9%) don’t start Christmas shopping until mid-December, according to CeX. 

But what’s the point in leaving it so late, when you know exactly when Christmas Day lands?

Buying a few gifts between now and the big day means you can spread the cost across several months, rather than rely on one month’s pay to fund all the festivities.

And it also gives you more time to spot deals and take advantage of big discount days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

5. Buy long-life food and drink early

Plenty of Christmas treats are non-perishable, such as chocolate, crisps and alcoholic beverages, so again, you don’t have to wait to buy them.

And if you have space, staples like the Christmas turkey and pigs in blankets can be kept in the freezer between now and the big day.

Maybe buy just one festive item each time you go to the supermarket between now and Christmas, so you can spread the cost and secure these essential items before demand soars.

You can find more tips on how to save money on food this Christmas here.

6. Plan ahead for travel

If you’re thinking of visiting family during the festive season, make your arrangements as early as you can.

You might be able to take advantage of cheaper flights, trains or accommodation if you can book sooner rather than later.

7. Don’t ignore small costs

When you think of Christmas expenses, you’re probably thinking of big costs like your Christmas turkey and presents.

But there are loads of smaller costs that are easy to overlook, like wrapping paper, gift tags and Sellotape.

So when you’re working out your budget for Christmas, don’t forget about these little expenses that can easily add up.

Planning ahead is the key

The fact that Christmas Day is on December 25th shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.

But it can easily creep up on you if you’re not organised.

So get ahead of the festive rush so you can actually enjoy the build-up to Christmas, the big day itself, and avoid starting 2027 with unnecessary and avoidable debt.