The high weather temperatures and weekend braais aren’t the only indications that “Dezemba” is officially upon us. Soon, this season will inspire many individuals to enjoy life and be more carefree than usual as they spend time with friends and family, taking a much-deserved break from the demands of work.

However, if you allow yourself to get too carried away, that spring in your step may come to a sobering halt when the heat of Janu-worry’s financial struggles hits your pocket. FNB’s Product Head for Integrated Advice Ester Ochse shares some simple yet effective pointers to help you stretch your rands this season:

Create a budget and manage your spend

The temptation to splurge, thanks to that early December salary, bonus or thirteenth check is understandable. You’ve worked hard all year after all. However, Ms Ochse cautions, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. That’s why budgeting (or lack thereof) can mean the difference between truly enjoying a carefree holiday season and massive financial headaches when the New Year comes around.”

She also advises setting up scheduled payments or paying your debts as soon as your salary is paid.

Having a budget in place and ensuring that you allocate spend for different priorities during this season, doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. Instead, it means that by planning and controlling your spending, you’ll have exactly enough for every activity you want to engage in between now and your next pay day, she adds.

Set spend limits for gifts and make the thought really count

As big days like Christmas and New Year’s approach, it may be easy to succumb to the pressure of spending on elaborate gifts. And, if you have a large community of family and friends, that pressure multiplies by the number of people you need to give presents to.

“A great strategy is to agree with your loved ones on a price limit for gifts and opt-for a gift exchange like Secret Santa. This way, everyone receives a gift, and everyone spends a roughly equal value when sourcing these presents,” says Ms Ochse.

Consider home-made gifts or crafts when shopping for Christmas presents for your loved ones

Additionally, it’s important to remember that taking the time to make personalised DIY presents for your loved ones can have a lasting impact. “It’s the thought that counts. A well thought-out, creative, home-made gift may end-up being more meaningful to the recipient while also being easier on the pockets of the gift-giver,” says Ms Ochse.

Opt for at-home get-togethers and bring-and-braais, whenever possible

Thankfully, for many South Africans, spending time at home during the holidays is par for the course. And, with the spirit of sharing being important in this season, regardless of whether you’re at the beach or in the bush, assigning responsibility for certain elements of catering, in the form of a potluck, can make for a more intimate and fun session while relieving the host of the burden of catering for big groups.

“While it’s important to let our hair down during the holiday season, one can never be too careful in ensuring that they employ as many smart strategies to stretch their money and ensure it lasts all the way through December and until the next pay day at the end of January,” she adds.

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Tips for surviving the financial heat this festive season