A mum-of-four dubbed “Mrs Christmas” has revealed her top money tips and tricks to make some serious festive savings.
Clair Brading hit the headlines last year after claiming that she had saved a whopping £61,000 on the holiday season.
Now, though, the 39-year-old, from Southampton, is back with a new set of tricks to see your money go further at Christmas.
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And in total, she, along with her friends, have saved an incredible £74,000 collectively for 2024.
“I am really looking forward to Christmas this year as thanks to the way I save, I have not had to worry about paying for it all,” Claire told What’s The Jam.
“Once you get into a stride [of putting away a set amount each month], it’s so easy.
“I know it’s going out [of my account] and I don’t feel it so much as it’s on a regular basis.
“It’s become part of our family finance routine now.
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“It more than covers our Christmas and the family birthdays we have at this time of year.
“Compared to last year, even the cost of basic items like frozen festive veggies and booze has gone up in price, so I am feeling very relieved that I got ahead of the game and had my expenses covered in advance.
“It’s a no-brainer!”
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Clair, who likes to put festive decorations up at least six weeks before the big day, begins saving in January, putting money away throughout the year to end up with a “treasure chest” at the end.
By saving £365 per month, she’s managed to amass £4,600 to spend solely on Christmas.
The mum-of-four, who is “obsessed” with saving cash, also helps out her friends and family members get more for their buck.
She urges people to start early for the best results; but here are her top five tips that you can action now:
A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY:
She said: “No amount is too small to save – put aside a few quid from the first week of January and on Christmas Day, you’ll be left with the best present of all.
“I say to my friends £7 a week if starting in the summer will create a good chunk of cash to throw at festivities.”
BUDGET AND TRACK:
Using spreadsheets or notepads are a thing of the past; opt for user-friendly apps to help get your outgoings in order.
Clair said: “Sit down and work out your income and expenditure each year – I call this ‘money MOT’.
“Make it a habit and maybe do it when your own car MOT is due so you don’t forget.
“Also, slash the subscriptions.
“Use each new month to weed them out.
“It’s something we’re all guilty of; signing up for something and then ever using it.
“Cancel the non-essentials and ask yourself: ‘Do I really need this?’
“The answer is probably, more than likely, no.”
NO SPEND WEEKENDS:
Instead of hitting the pub for a few pints, or forking out a cinema trip for all the family – why not try finding fun, for free?
She said: “Enjoy free activities, like walks, movie nights, board games and museums.
“Use up any extra food/leftovers to see your money go further.
“Also, try using this time to sell.
“We all have belongings lying around that we don’t need anymore, so why not give them to someone who does?
“Use Vinted or Depop, or platforms like eBay and Facebook for larger items.”
BUY WISELY:
Too many of us have our cards set up for instant payment and more often than not, it can lead to some unnecessary, impulsive purchases.
Clair said: “Remove your card to put a halt to overspending.
“Avoiding contactless payment services in general can avoid frivolous spending.”
The mum also advises buying own brand, rather than splashing out on the same product – for more.
She said: “This can result in huge savings over time.
“And it’s most likely the same product, just without the fancy name or packaging.
“Most supermarkets have their own cheaper alternatives and you won’t even notice the difference.
“When it comes to birthdays and other special occasions, try looking at a financially savvy alternative.
“Create something authentic and from the heart, rather than trying to impress with a big price tag.”
SET GOALS:
Clair says this is the most important tip of them all.
She said: “Simple, but effective; start thinking about what you want to save for this Christmas right after you’ve celebrated it.
“Estimate how much money you’ll need and how long it might take you to save, but be realistic with your goal.
“And save with a trusted partner, like Park Christmas Savings, which has helped me achieve my goals and so much more.
“I couldn’t do what I do without Park.”
Clair’s passion for helping people save comes from her own personal struggle when falling on hard times after having a baby.
She got into debt and spent all year paying it off – but now, that’s a thing of the past.
It’s been 13 years since she started using Park Christmas Savings and she urges people to do the same, as not only does it help with finances, it also eases the stress.
She added: “Christmas is my favourite time of the year – being with the kids and all cosy at home with the festive lights twinkling away.
“It’s the best.
“If I could, I would get my tree up in September; but we’ve got a rule that it goes up on 1 November and not a minute sooner.
“That is why I’m getting ahead with my festive savings, as it gets me in the spirit early on.
“I always say, it’s never too late to start saving.
“If you haven’t yet, now is the time.
“I’m already working out how to cover the cost next year – that’s my style – and also get a budget in place for 2026.
“Without Park vouchers and saving this way, we wouldn’t have a Christmas this year.
“They are an absolute lifesaver and keeps me calm in the run-up when everyone else is panicked and stressed.
“Make not only 2024 a fab Christmas, but 2025 too – and it all starts today.”
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