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The silly season can be an absolute nightmare for goals of saving to buy property. Gifts and time away from work will hit you first over Christmas, then revelry and champagne will hurt your budget again over New Year's.

However, it doesn't have to be that way. With a little planning and foresight your silly season can be affordable and relaxing at the same time.

1. Write a separate budget

Summer can be a budget killer. No wonder, as ARA and Roy Morgan research predicted Aussies spend almost $47 billion in the six weeks leading up to Christmas alone. Instead of hurting your house-saving goals, approach things a little differently and write a budget.

Don't think about how you'll afford Christmas this year, think of what you can afford and plan your budget around that. Set out maximum spends for your gifts, Christmas lunch and your time off, then watch your spending closely so that you can stick to your budget.

Write a budget and your funds wont take a hit this Christmas.Write a budget and your funds wont take a hit this Christmas.

2. Plan ahead for gifts

Don't leave your budget at the mercy of one rushed and impulsive Christmas shop. Get on the internet and do some research before picking your gifts and you'll be far more likely to stick to your spending plan.

Commbank data puts the average spend over Christmas in Australia at over $1,000, so be sure to try and stay under this figure if possible! 

3. Hit the local markets

Australian malls can be an absolute nightmare over the Christmas season, so avoid them all together and do your shopping at a local market. You'll be out in the open under the sun, instead of cramped in a hot mall, and you'll be supporting local retailers, instead of an international chain.

Not only that, but you're far more likely to find a truly special (and affordable) gift if you go local.

4. Go pot luck

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

One of the best things about the big day is eating delicious food for hours and hours on end. Australians obviously agree, because Australian Retailers Association data shows that we spent $19 billion on food last Christmas.

To save a little money this silly season, why not have a pot luck for your Christmas lunch? You'll get to try several different dishes, no one person will foot the bill and you'll save on dishes as well.

Here at Advantage Finance we're all about helping people reach their financial goals with sound advice and tailored loan products. If you've saved your way through the silly season and need help securing the most suitable home loan for you, get in touch today.

Otherwise, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

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