Christmas can be a wonderful time for those who can spend time with family and friends – and usually involve some extra indulging for those who can.
But unfortunatley, with households across the UK facing an increase in their energy cost this winter as energy regulator Ofgem raises its price gap, many will see their bills rise. And while inflation held steady at 2.2% in the year to August, well below the peak of the cost of living crisis, it doesn’t mean prices are falling – and many are still struggling to keep up with costs.
Many will especially feel this when Christmas comes around, especially as there might feel like an extra pressure, or just wish, to spend more on those around you. But luckily, one ‘genius’ woman has come up with a plan that is helping her save money in the lead-up to Christmas – meaning she won’t be left with a massive bill to pay come mid-December.
Content creator Meg, who is in her late 20s and often posts videos about money, home and life, explained she does this “every year” and “everyone tells her she’s a genius”. From September 1 until Christmas Day, on December 25, on every single weekly shop, Meg buys “one small longlife Christmas item”.
In the video, she showed that she had purchased a box of Cadbury’s Heroes, which she was saving for the festive period.
“It basically means when I get to Christmas I have all my longlife snacks or condiments, and stuff like that, already bought so it eases the financial difficulties around Christmas.
“When it’s only a couple of pounds coming out of your weekly shop every week, you don’t really notice it as much, as opposed to like going out Christmas and spending like £100 on random snacks.”
Meg posted the video at the end of September, but even if you started now you would have 11 items already bought by the time Christmas comes.
She captioned the video: “If you start from this week’s weekly shop, you’ll have at least 14 [11 at the time of writing] things ready for christmas! and it’ll make the christmas food shop a lot cheaper and less things for you to worry about getting during an expensive month.”
While many people were impressed by the hack, some weren’t convinced they would be able to not eat the snacks before Christmas. One person said: “Great idea… but yep these wouldn’t last until Xmas.” Another agreed adding: “My issue is I’d find these and eat them before Christmas,” but Meg pointed out that this was a good way of “learning self discipline”.
And helpfully, someone else suggested: “If you can’t not eat it, set aside some money each week.”
