Christmas Day is only three months away and parents eyeing the festive clock are likely feeling the pressure to start organising for the silly season.
Adelaide mum-of-six Krechelle Carter knows all too well the perils of a tight budget in the lead up to Santa’s arrival.
The thrifty blogger, 27, shared with Woman’s Day her top tips on how to save a lofty $4000 to put towards extra stocking fillers, a sneaky getaway or a delicious Christmas lunch.
Krechelle, who has six children under the age of six, told that publication that saving money can be as easy as cleaning out the house or simply asking for better deals.
Krechelle Carter (pictured) shared her top tips for saving $4000 before Christmas Day
The mum-of-six (pictured with her children) told Woman’s Day her tricks for budgeting in the lead up to the festive season
INVEST IN A CHEAPER TV
Before admitting defeat and resigning to eating toast for Christmas lunch, Krechelle recommends looking at your electronics for cheaper alternatives.
The young mother says swapping an expensive pay TV contract for something such as Netflix could save you over $100 per month.
‘By swapping one for the other, you could save $405 this quarter. Hello, full stockings – for six!’ Krechelle said.
The young mother shared six children with her partner (pictured) and says she knows all to well how overwhelming Christmas time can be
Krechelle says small things such as selling old stuff and rounding up bills can mean extra presents in her children’s stockings
Before admitting defeat and resigning to eating toast for Christmas lunch, Krechelle recommends looking at your electronics for cheaper alternatives
SAVING WITH SMART PHONES
Krechelle warns that a hefty monthly phone contract can eat away at your savings when there are better options available.
She says simply asking her phone company if she was eligible for a cheaper plan resulted in her saving $30 every month.
After swapping out her contract Krechelle says she was then able to sell her old phone for $600 – leaving her hundreds of dollars richer in the lead up until Christmas.
The 27-year-old also recommends finding better deals for your TV and phone contract
After swapping out her contract Krechelle says she was then able to sell her old phone for $600 – leaving her hundreds of dollars richer in the lead up until Christmas
Krechelle often shares tips on how to stretch the family budget on her blog, Eight at Home
CLEAN OUT THE HOUSE
A spot of spring cleaning never went awry – and Krechelle says it can even unearth some hidden gems in your home that can be swapped for extra festive cash.
The Adelaide blogger revealed she was able to snag an additional $1500 after realising she didn’t need three prams and a plethora of toddler-size clothing.
‘You’ll be surprised how much good quality items are worth. If you put in the effort to list them in detail, plus take good photos, you’ll fetch a decent price,’ Krechelle added.
The Adelaide blogger revealed she was able to snag an additional $1500 after realising she didn’t need three prams and a plethora of toddler-size clothing
Krechelle says with her tips parents can save up to $4000 in the three months before Christmas
ROUND UP YOUR BILLS AND BANK THE REST
The burden of bills do not lighten during the festive period – but Krechelle says there are a few ways to help save money while still keeping your gas and electricity on.
Every time you pay a bill, Krechelle recommends rounding up the amount and putting away the extra cash into a designated Christmas savings account.
‘So say you pay $243.22 on a bill, round it up to $250 and put the remaining $6.78 into your ever-growing Christmas club saver and watch the dollars roll in,’ she said.
In three months time Krechelle says rounding up the figures can lead to as much as $600 in additional Christmas funds.
Another tip Krechelle gave for saving extra cash in the lead up to Christmas is rounding up every bill you pay
In three months time Krechelle says rounding up the figures can lead to as much as $600 in additional Christmas funds
MOVE ALL YOUR DEBT INTO ONE PLACE
If debt is weighing on your mind as it creeps closer to Christmas time, Krechelle suggests lumping all of it into the one spot so your have a clear idea of how much is owed.
For example, moving a $10,000 debt onto an interest-free credit card for 18 months could save you $450 in three months.
‘Every dollar counts! I have followed these tops and tricks myself. I’m a real mum, living on a single income with an overwhelming amount of ever-growing bills has taught me one thing: budgets work,’ added Krechelle.
The 27-year-old mother of six kids under six says there are quick and easy ways to save thousands before Christmas