A money-savvy mum has revealed how she cuts the cost of Christmas in half by starting her shopping before most of us have finished our leftovers.
Tahnee Beck starts her bargain hunt during Boxing Day sales - and completes 3/4 of her shopping before August.
While some prefer to wait until the festive season begins, it's well worth getting an early start, according to the mum-of-two, who says she's saved up to £5,0000 in the seven years she's adopted the approach.
Tahnee, 33, from Norfolk, explained: "I just can't bear to part with the money and then see everything reduced.
The family start their preparations earlier than most
And they've saved a pretty penny in the process"I still enjoy looking round the shops in the run-up to Christmas - I just make a list of what I want and then wait for the prices to go down."
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The busy mum, who works in marketing, admitted she occasionally forgets what she's already purchased, but she stands by her method, and she's aiming to save big again this year.
"I won't be spending that much this year because everything is so expensive, but I'm still going for a 50 per cent reduction."
So far, Tahnee has already bought pyjamas, all her decorations and outside lights, plus many of her presents for Christmas 2023. As for events, she's booked the ballet and a Christmas light trail - and started buying dried foods for Christmas baking.
Tahnee has saved thousands in recent years
By stocking up on presents and supplies throughout the yearTahnee's also started buying her festive booze, while it's on offer. Then in September, the bargain hunter shops for gifts for her daughter, 11, and son, eight, and she plans to have all the food for Christmas week in the freezer by the beginning of December.
Tahnee, who is married to an engineer, 35, revealed: "I like being organised so we can really enjoy Christmas. Everything is bought by the time December starts, then I get wrapping."
Luckily for the rest of us, she also shares all her prepping ideas on Instagram and YouTube. You can find Tahnee's month-by-month breakdown below:
January - Shop in the sales for durables you know you need next year (pyjamas, decorations, paper, etc).
February - Put money aside, if you can, to use when you spot bargains across the year.
March - Book panto/theatre tickets.
April - Start thinking about Christmas plans. Invite family and plan December weekends to visit others.
May - Shop the small business Christmas releases and pay now for delivery nearer Christmas.
June - Buy long-life reduced holdables, such as alcohol, dried food, napkins, tablecloths. Update your address book ready for cards.
July - Look for small business deals. Exchange any old postage stamps
August - Keep an eye on sales. Some retailers offer their biggest reductions in the summer months - you can also buy unusual gifts on holidays.
September - Buy and bag presents for teachers to save an end of term rush.
October - Use half term to get kids to get prepared by writing their Christmas cards.
November - Bag Black Friday deals - especially for the kids' main presents. Write your cards. Prepare and freeze Christmas food.
Dec - Finish wrapping. Sit back and enjoy the season.
As for moneymaking, Tahnee's tips include:
Take online surveys. Most surveys pay 30p to £1, so by doing one a day you could earn £50 to £150 extra by December.
Use a cash back website like TopCashBack or Quidco for all online purchases.
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Declutter and sell unwanted clothing and items on Vinted.
It's car boot season. Load up the car and head for your local car boot to make a few extra pennies for Christmas.
Mystery shopping. If you have the time, this is a great little earner - and you often get a free cup of coffee or meal to test.
Rent out your parking space. If you live near a town or train station, then your parking space may be in demand. There are apps you can use to rent it out on for an hourly or daily rate.
Have you finished your Christmas shopping already? Email amber.oconnor@reachplc.com
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