FOR millions of hard-up families around the UK, Christmas is the most expensive time of the year.
But now one woman, who paid off her astronomical five-figure debt in a year, has revealed five popular things she won’t be buying this festive season.
Robyn Murphy, from the UK, was once drowning in a huge debt that had accumulated to £10k.
But thanks to being smart about her finances and expenses, Robyn managed to climb out of the debt in just a year – and is now teaching others ”how to unf**k your finances”.
With the festive season right around the corner, many may feel the pressure to spend – whether that’s on advent calendars or getting their hair done for a work party.
However, doing everything to now stay debt-free, Robyn has decided to forgo what many may view as Christmas essentials – and it’s helping her to stay on track.
The cash-savvy TikToker, who’s also managed to save a whopping £10k in just 12 months, shared her thoughts online.
Beauty treatments
”I won’t be getting my hair done, my nails done, or any beauty treatments for Christmas nights-out, Christmas parties or Christmas Day,” she said in the informative video.
”I do my nails at home, I wax and tint my eyebrows, I no longer get false eyelashes every two to three weeks,” listed Robyn, who posts under the username @notanexactscience_.
Instead, the thrifty TikToker gets a Length, Volume and Lift treatment every eight weeks to keep the lashes fluttery – and she swears by a high street mascara.
Raving over the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High mascara (£12.99 at Boots), Robyn said: ”I use this mascara right here, which I have used for about the last two years and I love and adore.
”It’s the only mascara I ever use.”
Beauty advent calendars
There’s no doubt about it: beauty advent calendars have taken the beauty industry by storm.
Prices range from under £20 to over £500 for a luxury one, and they have become big business for the beauty industry.
Many advent calendars are so popular they sell out in a matter of days, especially those from luxury retailers Liberty and Harrods.
But while some may find it exciting to open the little ‘doors’ every day, some calendars are not worth the money you’ve forked out on them.
Robyn said: ”They are a lot of money and for the things that you get inside them… I don’t want to risk not knowing what I’m getting.
”Probably, half of it won’t be suited to me anyway.”
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
Trendy Christmas decorations
Whether it’s going for a more neutral-themed aesthetic or mega silver baubles, it seems that each year brings new decorations – and this year, the theme is set to be ‘90s Christmas‘.
But while many families tend to fork out a fortune on new garlands and ornaments every December, Robyn won’t be amongst them.
She explained: ”I won’t be buying any Christmas decoration that’s a trend.
”I think this year, Ralph Lauren is everywhere – but for me, it’s always been red and green, traditional.
”It’s suited every house I’ve ever been in, it’s suited all my moods every year.
”I don’t think traditional ever goes out of style, in my mind.”
Pointless gifts
The festive period is set to see consumers part with an average of £377.98 on gifts, marking a 9 per cent rise from the £345.35 spent last year, according to The Independent.
But there’s one way to effectively slash the costs, Robyn revealed.
”It’s unnecessary presents for unnecessary people.
”That sounds really harsh. But what I mean by this is, the first point – pointless gifts are the gift sets that nobody ever really wants.
”I need to put more thought and emotion into the intention behind me parting with my money.
”Part two – unnecessary people. That’s gonna sound really harsh.
”I don’t mean unnecessary – I just mean if I have to come and purposely find a time to see you to drop off a present to you, that means I’m not seeing you otherwise.
”Does that really warrant gift-giving? It’s really hard for me to change that habit.”
Festive-themed foods
Last but certainly not least – festive-themed foods.
”I tend to cook and bake from scratch, I really, really love it,” said Robyn who’d spend a lot of time with her grandmother in the kitchen as a child.
”When I see a wreath-shaped sausage plait for £12.99, I know I can buy sausage meat and pastry and make that myself.
”Just because it’s festive-themed, I don’t need to be paying more for food like that,” she explained.
”This is just my hot take on the things I won’t be buying this Christmas. Every could change year to year.
”I’m just prioritising being present over buying the presents.”
