The festive season maybe just around the corner but after a tough year in the job market and with many individuals and families still feeling the pinch, it’s easy to panic about how to fund Christmas once again.

Avoid getting into debt with these Christmas money-saving tips straight from the Debtwizard Mike Thomas

1. Banking on Christmas
   Plan for next Xmas by setting up a specific account for presents, decorations and food. Ignoring the impending outlay won’t make it go away and people often find themselves borrowing money that they can’t give back. By putting a slice of your monthly wage into your Xmas account every month, it soon adds up.
2. Don’t be afraid to de-clutter
   Christmas is over and you’re left with a jacket you will never wear or two of the same DVDs. Selling these items on the likes of eBay or Amazon may seem insensitive, but when the Christmas credit-card bill drops through your front door in the New Year, every little helps.
3. Be honest with your partner
   More often than not they will have the same concerns as you. Make a necessary purchase you’re Christmas present to each other. Perhaps something that you would have purchased anyway like the new TV or a holiday for next year.
4. The earlier the better
   Cards, wrapping and decorations can soon mount up. Buying these things in January they are a fraction of the price, sometimes just 10% of what you would normally pay.
5. Don’t be afraid to re-use
   The front pages of old Christmas cards can make a great present tag for next year. All that’s needed is a little artistic flare!
6. Make sure you don’t use a credit card unless you’re know you can afford to pay it off
   Alternatively, spread the cost using a 0% card – but ensure you can pay the total sum off before the end of the deal.
7. Use the net
   The internet has handed consumers the ultimate advantage, price comparison. Without trawling through the high-street for hours on end, the deal you are looking for is just a few clicks away. Another tip is to be savvy and hunt for discounts, vouchers and cashback.
8. Trees can cost more than you would think
   People often receive a nasty shock in the New Year when they find the astronomical electricity bill. Everyone likes a sparkly Christmas tree; just don’t be tempted to leave your tree lights on all day and night.
9. Secret Santa
   With friends or colleagues it is always a great idea to suggest Secret Santa, just remember to set a limit.
10. Lastly, but probably the most important of the lot
    Retailers spend billions of pounds every year to find increasingly clever ways to make you spend. Plan exactly what you want to buy, stick to it and perhaps you will avoid wasting money on that irritating singing Santa. Also, remember store cards charge extortionate interest, so do not be tempted.