Advent is a celebration of joy. But in recent years, the contemplative time for many families has been characterized more by money worries than by lightness and large gifts. According to a study by the Federal Statistical Office, almost a quarter of children and young people in Germany are affected by poverty or social exclusion. Janina Rehbein, savings expert at myWorld Germany, sees this less as self-inflicted and more as a structural problem. Although there are a variety of state benefits, these may be too small to actually protect families from financial hardship.
Added to this is the economic situation in Europe, which remains tense despite the lower inflation rate and the recovery from the energy crisis. Where there is poverty, children's eyes rarely light up at the holidays, but the savings expert explains how even with money worries, the Christmas goose can be put on the table and great presents under the Christmas tree.
What you can expect:
Berlin, May 05.12.2023, XNUMX Every year a lot comes together in the run-up to Christmas with Advent calendars, decorations, gifts for the family, Christmas parties and visits to the mulled wine stand. According to a YouGov survey, almost every second person in Germany (47,3 percent) has to limit their budget for the festival. Almost nine percent of them cannot afford any extra expenses during this contemplative time of year.
For many people, there is only enough money for the bare necessities. The ongoing economic uncertainties are also forcing many households to continue to plan their expenses carefully and save in every corner. “Many parents are currently finding it difficult to think of contemplative holidays with good food and happy children.” says Janina Rehbein, savings expert at myWorld Germany. Therefore, she offers valuable tips on organization and inexpensive gifts for a wonderful celebration, tailored to the small budget. She knows how important the personal touch is when it comes to presents, how the right savings tips can make loved ones happy and how the home can become a Christmassy place.
Who should pay for that? Almost a thousand euros for Christmas
Anyone who celebrates Christmas automatically spends money - that's nothing new. If you add up the results of various studies and surveys, the rough average is the annual ones Costs for gifts, Christmas trees etc. between 537 euros and 736 euros per person. “Considering the median gross salary, which is between 1.965 euros and 2.683 euros, depending on the tax class, this is a considerable sum,” says Rehbein. According to the savings expert, it is an open secret that many providers increase their prices again during the Christmas season. “November and December are the busiest months of the year.
At the latest from Black Friday week“At the end of November there are the supposed Christmas bargains online and in stores,” continues Janina Rehbein. Some sectors, such as toy stores or bookselling, generate a full 27 percent of their annual sales in the run-up to Christmas. “If you plan to take advantage of big discounts now, you have to pay close attention to prices,” advises the savings expert. Online comparison sites and promotions in different stores would help you find the best deals and offers to avoid falling for alleged price crackers.
Without sacrifice, but with organization
Starting planning early is probably the top priority when it comes to saving. “If you define a realistic budget for your own household finances early on, you won’t lose track afterwards,” advises Rehbein. A certain limit can form the basis for keeping all expenses under control. You can also shop much more effectively and save time. A list of the amount you need and how you spend your money not only provides clarity, but above all also ensures that you will still have money left at the end of the month. “You can find helpful platforms online that deal with budget planning for the festival,” says the savings expert.
Timing also plays a role: According to Rehbein, buying gifts early when offers and discounts are available must be taken into account. A timely calculation can be a great help for a large family dinner. “For example, on our portal you can buy inexpensive kitchen utensils in advance that will be used at the holiday meal.”, explains the expert and continues: “Last-minute purchases, on the other hand, often tend to be more expensive.” With more time, you can concentrate better on finding bargains and save money on groceries and useful equipment.
DIY – gifts that cost almost nothing
“If you want to experience a contemplative and fulfilling Christmas season despite financial worries, you should definitely stop diy, short for 'Do it Yourself' set"; said Rehbein. For the savings expert, this is a good alternative to the glowing credit card in the shopping center. “You can buy cheap items on various online marketplaces, second-hand stores or savings portals like myWorld and turn them into something very special at home,” says Rehbein and continues: “An old armchair? It is pimped up and becomes unique. DIY chocolates, homemade oils or schnapps?
The whole family is happy about it.” Making them is not only fun, but also sustainable. According to experts, anyone who reuses or reuses things saves money and also does something for the environment. Gift wrapping is also expensive and produces tons of waste. “My favorite saving tip: Furoshiki. This is a square cloth that is traditionally used as packaging, especially in Japan.
It looks beautiful and can be reused as desired,” says Rehbein. Excursions together, a nice breakfast or vouchers for housework and gardening would also always be an option if you want to give your loved ones a joy at Christmas despite money worries. For Rehbein, one thing is ultimately clear: “The most valuable thing is always the time we spend together.”
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About myWorld
The myWorld group of companies brings together a wide variety of brands and companies under one roof. With its benefit program, myWorld offers 15 million consumers attractive shopping benefits such as cashback and shopping points, from 150.000 partners worldwide and on the company's own online marketplace. myWorld partners, in turn, benefit from an efficient customer loyalty program. The myWorld subsidiaries include the business service provider myWorld 360 and the travel platform travelWorld. As part of its CSR activities, myWorld also supports the education and environmental protection projects of the Child & Family Foundation and the Greenfinity Foundation. myWorld is currently represented in 55 countries. More information on myWorld.com.
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