christmas budget - all my own fault!!

[thegrincher]

Hi,

So at the end of October I realised that I hadn't saved anything for Christmas - I do have some excuses as it's been a hell of a year, however I had a mild panic when I realised that I had 1 payday left (well technically 2 but one of them is Christmas Eve!!). For clarity - I will be ok and i know that this is a minor issue in the scheme of things - but here goes.

I have 3 DC;s, 7 11 and 15. I am a single income household. I have managed to get 80% of Christmas sorted but the rest of the month will be tighter than I would like it be. Here are my numbers -

Amount in my account now - £1200
Other money I will receive ( second income) - £750
Remaining Direct Debits between now and 24th Dec - -£460
things planned ( days out, Christmas things etc) - £-120
Normal food for 3 weeks ( going to be very strict with this) - £-350
Last presents - £-250
Christmas food order ( I am hosting) - £130
Fuel - £-60

So on paper I will have £580 left which doesn't sound too bad. I am determined to not use my credit card, or Klarna etc.

Does this sound achievable?

When you say you have 80% sorted what to you mean?

80% of all the Christmas stuff that I need to sort/buy. It was just an estimation

Sounds like a healthy surplus to me

You have a good surplus but how about those you are hosting bringing bits ie; the starters, veg, puds and drinks so you only have to fork out for the meat.

£250 on “last presents” seems a lot when you’re struggling.

Sounds fine, if it isn’t don’t buy the last presents.