NOW CLOSED: Talk to Experian CreditExpert about budgeting this Christmas - you could win a £200 voucher for a major retailer of your choice

[AnnMumsnet]

We've been asked by Experian CreditExpert to find out what budgeting plans you have in place for Christmas this year (2 months to go, folks! ).

They'd like to know what plans you have to get finances in order - or is it something you manage well, try to avoid thinking about or leave 'til the new year to sort?
Do you wait for sales or discounts when buying gifts - does this help you?
Do you set budgets for gifts, food, drink etc - if so, why? If not, why not? Has this changed since the recession started?
Do you shop online or do you prefer to buy gifts in person? Do you feel safe shopping online?
What money saving tips can you pass on to others at this festive time - for example - do you make your own gifts? Do you buy fewer gifts?
How much will you and your family spend on Christmas this year? Have you been saving for Christmas or buying things over the last few months or year?

Any other thoughts on the cost of Christmas all welcome.

Add your views and you'll be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £200 voucher for a major retailer of your choice - in time for Christmas!

You can find more info on CreditExpert here: www.facebook.com/ExperianUK

thanks and good luck
MNHQ

They'd like to know what plans you have to get finances in order - or is it something you manage well, try to avoid thinking about or leave 'til the new year to sort?

We have set up a regular saving account for Christmas works really well and takes out all the stress as we stick to the budget.

Do you wait for sales or discounts when buying gifts - does this help you?

I tend to hold out for a good deal, definately shop around for the best price. I buy christmas cards for the next year every January.

Do you set budgets for gifts, food, drink etc - if so, why? If not, why not? Has this changed since the recession started?

We have a strict budget, always have, stops overspending and going overboard just because it's christmas.

Do you shop online or do you prefer to buy gifts in person? Do you feel safe shopping online?

Both.

What money saving tips can you pass on to others at this festive time - for example - do you make your own gifts? Do you buy fewer gifts?

We only buy for the children in my family, DH's side don't have any kids so buy for his parents and sibling. We only buy each other a token gift such as a book.

How much will you and your family spend on Christmas this year? Have you been saving for Christmas or buying things over the last few months or year?

Our budget is £600 for food, presents, tree, everything.

thanks for all the comments. EnglishGirlApproximately has been selected as the winner of the £200 voucher - I have pm-ed you.

i try to shop in sales all year round plus usecashback sites wherever possible. I also recycle gifts where i can and my children spend time making presents. I try to use bogofs and voucher codes. I have no idea how much I'll spend but I have asked people not to be extravagant when giving so that I won't feel bad when I don't respond with lavish gifts

Lucky englishgirlapproximately winning two sponsored discussions within a month!