I cut right back on who I buy for and how much I spend. My priority is my young children and the money goes on making it a magical time for them as they are old enough to be excited about it and young enough to still believe in Santa. I don't have many more years of that ahead. I make loads of jams, preserves,cakes, fudge and wines etc and these go as gifts to family and friends. They can be made to look pretty, made throughout the year and are very low cost. I was upfront about our financial situation with family and said we wouldn't be spending much!
We are the same as Imhotep and buy the Iceland joints, our Turkey came from the Sun Perks last year, I don't think they are doing it this year.
We started Xmas shopping last month, bought all the joints and dried goods (sweets, sauces, chocolates etc) going to start buying some of the booze this month. in an IVA you do have to plan ahead and shop early.
I have got loads of Argos vouchers from surveys so that is taking care of the presents for the grandchildren. Just need to get hubby's Birthday (21st Dec) and xmas present sorted. Although we only do token gifts now.
If life is what you make it, I must have been in a strange mood when I made mine
We get our meat from the local butcher and it is wonderful. That is something I don't scrimp on (especially as my parents help out) Don't buy sweets at all - we don't eat them.
I'll be sorting presents out next week and they will all be vouchers.
It can be done but it is difficult with children...especially when you want to do your best by them. Luckily mine had left home but the one at home did understand when I explained to her.
Different ages have different priorities.
IVA final payment left the bank on the 26th January 2013...looking forward to a debt free future.
Hi Steve, we are also in our first year and have also be quite worried about Christmas, we have 2 boys aged 2 and 4 and they aren't to much of a problem as they are quite use to getting second hand toys from ebay/car boot and aren't at all bothered infact they never seem to notice. However i have 10 nephews and neices to also buy for and our family don't know about our IVA and so everyone just wants to splash out loads of money on all the kids! Anyway, i have found the following helpful.
Look on Amazon for good deals, and also look at what is for sale as 'used' on amazon, often businesses sell toys as used when in fact they are as new, perhaps catalogue returns. I got my son a toy posted for £7 that said it was used, and it was infact new and boxed. It would have been £25 if i had bought it full price.
Also, look at ebay outlets, most of the big shops e.g argos, the entertainer, have online outlets on ebay, and sell stuff off really cheap. Also when looking on ebay, search for 'nearest first' incase there is something local you can pick up and save on postage.
Car boot is great for baby toys, they cost next to nothing. Or perhaps get your older children to have a sort out of the toys they no longer play with and do a car boot yourself to raise some extra money.
I've also save through park catalogue this year, and saved up my nectar card points. Last year we were skint by Christmas eve, and we weren't even in the IVA! I'm determined not to let that happen this year!
Hi Niobe, thanks for the tip, i'm already doing them when i have the time, but i think i will look round for some new ones as i found some of them quite frustrating when i got entered in to prize draws insted of geting points. The vouchers i got so far certainly dug me out of a hole when it was my neice and nephews birthday and i had no money! Can you sugest any good ones?
A good one is shop and scan --- you scan in your shopping barcodes and the receipt (if you wish) and get points to convert into gift vouchers. Between this and my Tesco loyalty vouchers it funds Christmas for us !
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
I rarely use Sainsburys, too expensive even though the quality is good although I will be doing it this year as Valued Opinion surveys seem to have stopped giving out Tesco vouchers.
