Christmas is often a time of joy for those who gather with family and friends, indulging more than usual for those who can afford it. However, this year, many UK households are bracing for a spike in their energy costs as the energy regulator Ofgem hikes its price cap, leading to higher bills.
Despite inflation remaining stable at 2.2% in the year to August, far from the peak of the cost of living crisis, prices aren’t necessarily dropping, leaving many struggling to cope with expenses. The festive season may exacerbate financial pressures, with some feeling the need or desire to spend extra on loved ones.
But there’s good news: a ‘genius’ woman has devised a strategy that’s helping her save money ahead of Christmas, ensuring she won’t face a hefty bill in mid-December. Content creator Meg, in her late 20s, known for sharing tips on money, home, and lifestyle, says she does this “every year” and is often hailed as “everyone tells her she’s a genius” for it.
Starting from September 1 right up until Christmas Day on December 25, Meg adds “one small longlife Christmas item” to every weekly grocery haul. In a recent video, she displayed her purchase of a box of Cadbury’s Heroes, which she plans to keep for the holiday season.
She explained: “It basically means when I get to Christmas I have all my longlife snacks or condiments, and stuff like that, already bought so it eases the financial difficulties around Christmas.
“However, when it is merely a few pounds out of your weekly shopping budget, you hardly notice the difference, as opposed to going out and splurging £100 on Christmas treats.”
Meg posted the video at the end of September, but even starting now, you would have 11 items by Christmas. She captioned the video: “If you start from this week’s weekly shop, you’ll have at least 14 [11 at the time of writing] things ready for christmas! and it’ll make the christmas food shop a lot cheaper and less things for you to worry about getting during an expensive month.”
Many people admired the hack, while others were skeptical that they could resist eating the snacks before Christmas.
One person said: “Great idea… but yep these wouldn’t last until Xmas.”
Another agreed, adding: “My issue is I’d find these and eat them before Christmas,” but Meg pointed out that this was a good way of “learning self discipline”. Helpfully, someone else suggested: “If you can’t not eat it, set aside some money each week.”