// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Doing these things now will help you save money at Christmas
How soon is too soon when it comes to thinking about Christmas and your finances?
The answer, of course, is that it is never too soon. Save early and the cost becomes more manageable.
The squeeze is harder for some than others, with charity Barnardo's warning that some parents will skip meals so their kids get a Christmas dinner with the trimmings.
But, debt advice charity StepChange is offering tips to everyone, to avoid Christmas spending leading to a financially painful new year.
The best way to avoid a difficult January, it says, is to make a realistic plan before the spending begins.
Small decisions now can make a big difference later. Its tips include:
Budget for Christmas in full. So, that's not just presents, a budget should include the cost of food and drink, travel, parties, presents, postage, decorations and other festive extras
Spread the cost. Don't just rely on your December paypacket. Also, make a shopping list before Black Friday on 27 November - it is only a discount if you were going to buy it anyway
Book your train journey now. Advance tickets, if available, are cheaper
Set spending limits. Put a cap on the bill for Christmas socialising, and have a quiet conversation with family and friends about how much to spend on presents