At Super-Advice we are about all things financial, but more importantly, helping people understand so they can get ahead financially.
Ah, Christmas in New Zealand: the smell of barbecues, pavlova piled high with kiwi fruit, and that awkward moment when your spending spirals out of control. One minute you’re stocking up on pineapple lumps and mince pies, and the next, your bank account looks like the sand dunes at Piha—emptier than you’d like. But don’t worry, here are five tips to stop your festive season from becoming a financial cyclone.
Set a Budget (The Naughty and Nice List for Your Wallet)
Think of your budget as your own version of Santa’s list—except you’re deciding who gets a present and who gets a “maybe next year.” Before heading into Farmers, The Warehouse, or that cute little Christmas market, decide how much you’re willing to spend overall, and set a strict limit for each person. That way, you’ll avoid feeling like you need to gift everyone from your neighbor’s cat to the lady at the local dairy.
Pro Tip: Use a budgeting app or even just a good old-fashioned notebook to track every dollar—and yes, the leftover gift wrap from last year is absolutely still good to go.
Get Creative with Kiwi Gifts
DIY is the way to go! You don’t have to fork out for an expensive gift just because your mate once mentioned they like a fancy beer. Sometimes it’s the thoughtful, homemade gifts that make the best impact. A batch of homemade hokey pokey, a bottle of your own limoncello, or a customized playlist of Kiwi classics can mean far more than a store-bought item. If you’re really in the mood, why not create a DIY Christmas cracker filled with jokes, little gifts, and of course, the paper crown? You’ll be the star of the family dinner, and your bank balance will stay intact.
Practice “One for Them, None for Me” Shopping
Shopping for others is the whole point, right? But it’s so easy to fall into the trap of treating yourself while you’re at it. The rule is simple: one for them, none for you. Resist the urge to buy that stylish pair of jandals just because they’re on sale. Remember, Christmas is about giving, not expanding your own wardrobe with that flashy red and white Santa onesie. Save that for Boxing Day sales!
Turn Your Christmas Dinner into a Potluck Feast
Hosting the family over for Christmas dinner? Awesome! Paying for a five-course meal for 15 people? Not so awesome. A potluck is a great way to share the load and the cost. Ask your guests to each bring a dish they love—whether it’s your uncle’s famous kumara salad, your cousin’s pav, or just that one friend who always brings the best dip. And don’t forget, BYO works wonders when it comes to drinks!
Plan Ahead—Even Just a Little
If you’re the kind of person who does all your Christmas shopping on the 24th of December (and we’ve all been there), this one’s for you. By planning your shopping early, you’ll not only avoid the panic buys, but you’ll also have the chance to take advantage of early sales, online deals, and maybe even free shipping. Make a list and check it twice in advance to save you a ton of stress and a heap of cash.
That’s a wrap
At the end of the day, the festive season is about having a good time with your mates and family. It’s not about going broke trying to buy everyone the flashiest gift on the shelf. With a bit of creativity, a bit of planning, and sticking to your budget, you can have a holly jolly Kiwi Christmas without spending up large.
Merry Christmas, everyone! And remember, while Santa’s sleigh might be full, your bank account doesn’t have to be empty.
If you need any financial help or advice please get in touch with us at Super-Advice.
