Tips to help families avoid overspending at Christmas

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. She says: “While it’s easy to get caught up in the festive excitement and stretch your budget to the max, there are many ways families can give meaningful presents without overspending.” Firstly, she suggests setting spending limits. “Our recent research found that for Gen Alpha GoHenry members, vacuuming, feeding pets, and washing dishes are among the top-paying chores, offering young people simple ways to earn extra money,” says Hill. Hill says: “This can be more affordable and encourages spending time together.” Avoiding leaving gift shopping until the last minute can also help with tight budgets. Hill says: “Keep an eye on sales and discounts leading up to December and take advantage of them to secure some bargains.” Second-hand shopping can be another smart way to save on family entertainment, with many charity shops having stacks of cheap and cheerful board games that could bring the family together over Christmas.