January can be the most stressful time of the year, with the holidays over, often times we will be left with a gaping hole where our savings used to be. It’s easy to overspend in the holiday season on gifts, food, and travel, but unfortunately, it isn't so easy to recover those funds. We have a few tips that will help you get back on your feet for February.
This time of year will see your local op shop fill with goodies from unwanted gifts, to discarded, worn-once holiday outfits. This could be the time to find a new work or school wardrobe for a fraction of the price! Op shopping can take some time, so gather your family or some friends and make a day of it.
Who hasn’t received a gift card they didn’t really want from a distant relative or friend? January is the perfect month to troll the internet for some discounted gift cards. Check out Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace for a good deal.
January is a great time to clean up and declutter. Take a weekend to go through your clothes, furniture and electrical goods and decide what you really need. You may find you can get a couple of dollars selling your gently used items online.
New Year sales can be a blessing or a curse. You might be able to pick up a few necessities for a slashed price, but it’s important not to go overboard. Only buy what you need, and shop slowly and thoughtfully. We recommend avoiding the tables of cheap items when in a store. These tables are often laden with gimmicky gifts and junk that you’ll end up getting rid of this time next year!
January gives us the chance at a fresh start, so this could mean it’s a good time to look through your budget and make a few changes. Take a look at where you overspent last year and put some extra effort into avoiding this in 2018.
We all love a New Year’s Resolution, so how about making one regarding your budget? Make a goal to avoid unnecessary spending and reap the rewards all year long!
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