Aimee, aged 21, took part in a Money Ready session in spring 2025.
“To put it bluntly, I am not good with money, and sometimes that gets me into trouble,” she admits. “When I was younger, I got into debt via buy-now-pay-later schemes. I am now, thankfully, debt free, and, not to brag, but I’ve even got a good credit score. But I didn’t just wake up one morning knowing how to budget, it took work and getting educated.”
Taking part in a Money Ready financial education session helped Aimee to turn things around.
“What I thought would be a lecture turned into a surprisingly fun, interactive workshop where I could talk through my spending, specifically why I spend too much on takeaways, and how to overcome my money struggles,” she says. “I learned how to set a strict yet rewarding budget, how to start saving, and, most importantly, the traps to avoid while spending. The course really did help me, and I’d recommend it to any young person who struggles to get through the month with their money.”
However, she agrees that the festive season can make it challenging to stay on budget.
“As a young person, the approach of 25th December brings as much anxiety as excitement, especially when it comes to money,” Aimee says. “However, with a bit of planning and some good budgeting skills, it’s possible to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank.”
Aimee’s top tips
Aimee offers some savvy suggestions to help you save money and still make the most of the holidays.
The present of presence
“The pressure to purchase lavishly for everyone can be overwhelming. However, there are several strategies you can use to keep costs down,” Aimee says. “Firstly, don’t feel pressured to buy anything at all if you can’t afford it. This is a time to spend with your loved ones, basking in the sense of togetherness. More zeroes on a price tag doesn’t equate to more love being shared, so don’t be afraid to turn up with nothing in hand but a loving attitude (though maybe a box of chocolates wouldn’t hurt).”
Secondly, Aimee recommends searching for unique gifts in charity shops and considering regifting.
“That box of chocolates or bottle of wine you got for your birthday, the book collecting dust on your shelf, and the old children’s toys taking up space in the attic could all get a second life with people who’ll appreciate them, and save you lots!”
Festive food shouldn’t cost a fortune
The cost of festive feasting can add up fast, but Aimee’s third tip covers that.
“My family splits the bill by pooling our money together,” says Aimee. “If you’re with a big group of friends, suggest a bring-and-share meal, where each person brings a dish. That makes sure no one bears the full cost. The potential for random chaos adds a fun dynamic to the event.”
Plus, Aimee points out, there’s no rule that you have to stick to tradition.
“Which festive foods do you truly enjoy and which do you buy because it’s the norm? If a traditional roast isn’t what you want or it’s too expensive, why not choose a more affordable alternative?”
The brilliance of budgeting
The most helpful skill Aimee gained from Money Ready, she comments, is budgeting, and she recommends setting a budget before you start any seasonal shopping.
“This will help you plan your spending,” she says. “As someone who spends first and thinks later, I cannot stress enough the importance of this. Before taking part in a Money Ready session, I was stuck in a cycle of overspending and overconsuming. I know many young people are in the same position. It’s easier than ever to accumulate debt through buy-now-pay-later schemes and credit cards.”
She wraps up by advising: “If you take anything from my words, I hope it’s that you will educate yourself on budgeting. Even the smallest change in spending can lead to monumental improvements. Have a lovely festive season!”
Want to learn more about building a healthy festive money mindset? Check out our latest article: https://moneyready.org/update/healthy-festive-money-mindset/
Find out more on how to budget here: How do I make a basic budget for myself? – Money Ready