Money Matters: Simple ways to prepare your finances for Christmas

We know it's September. We know – and we're sorry.

But if you're paid monthly, there are now just three paydays left before Christmas. And while it might still feel a long way off, now is actually a good time to take a look at your finances and make a plan.

Doing a little preparation now could help you avoid the temptation to rely on credit or borrowing when December arrives.

In this week's Money Matters column, Lois Alexander, money adviser at Housing Plus Group, shares some tips on how to get ahead with your Christmas shopping.

Start with what you can afford

Before you start buying presents, work out what you can realistically afford to spend. Make a list of the people you need to buy for and set yourself a total budget.

Remember, Christmas doesn't have to mean spending lots of money. You could agree spending limits with family and friends, make gifts yourself – handmade gifts are often the ones people treasure most – or consider buying second-hand.

There are plenty of bargains to be found on Vinted and eBay, and many items are as good as new.

Make the most of your three paydays

If your budget allows, putting a little money aside from each of your next three paydays could make December feel much more manageable.

Even a small amount saved each payday is better than leaving everything until the last minute.

Shop around for the best prices

The internet can often beat the high street on price, and comparison sites can help by searching the web to find the cheapest deals.

Google Shopping is a great starting point as it searches a wide range of retailers, including big names such as Currys, Amazon and John Lewis.

Sign up to cashback sites

With cashback sites such as TopCashback, you can sign up for free and then click through the site when you buy something. The cashback site gets paid for sending traffic to the retailer and gives some of this money back to you.

If you're spending the money anyway, it's a no-brainer. But never let cashback sites dictate where you spend your money. Focus on getting the cheapest deal first, then see what cashback is available.

So, while we might all be rolling our eyes at the sight of Christmas displays in September, there is one advantage – the shops are giving us plenty of warning!

Three paydays might sound like a long way off, but they soon come around. A little planning now could mean less financial stress when Christmas finally arrives.

If you're a Housing Plus Group customer, our Money Matters team is here to offer free, confidential and non-judgemental support with money worries and debt.