It happens to the best of us. Christmas in New Zealand is a beautiful mix of sunshine, BBQs, beach trips, and family time. It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement. We tell ourselves, “It’s Christmas, they deserve it!” and before we know it, the eftpos has been swiped a few too many times. But don’t beat yourself up, you can get back on track if you follow the advice below.
Be honest with yourself
Get your bank statements and take a proper look at what you spent. Add up the gifts, food, travel, and holiday extras. Seeing it written down might sting at first, but it’s the best way to take control again. Once you know the numbers, you can make a solid plan for the months ahead.
Make a repayment plan that works for you
You probably can’t clear it all in one go, so start small and keep it steady.
Round up your minimum payments. Even $10 or $20 extra each week helps.
If you’ve got a few debts, try the snowball method. Clear the smallest one first for a quick win, then roll that payment into the next.
Set up an automatic payment so it happens without you having to think about it.
Look for gentle ways to cut costs
You don’t need to go full “no-spend January” (no one wants that after the holidays!), but a few small swaps can make a real difference:
Use food that you already have in the freezer and pantry rather than buying more.
Try to have less takeaways.
Look for free ways to have fun – the local park for example.
Little savings here and there really will add up.
Start saving early for next Christmas
It might feel too soon, but now is the best time to start. Supermarket Christmas savings cards can be started any time; by starting now, putting in even $5 a week, will give you a good sum of money next December. Pay by automatic payment so you don’t forget!
Focus on what really mattered
What were your favourite moments at Christmas? Probably the laughter, going to the beach, shared kai, just being together. Those are the memories that stick. And think – children remember moments not things.
Learn and plan ahead
Learn from this year. Next time, you could:
Set a clear budget for gifts and food early on.
Have honest chats with whānau about keeping gifts simple or even just doing Secret Santa.
And remember – if you need a bit of extra help, we are here for you.
