Money, Means And Merriment

Don't let the flurry of festivals hurt your wallet. Kalwyna Rathod has tips to help you manage your finances during this time

- Kalwyna Rathod

As per a survey by Axis My India, 48% consumers shop more during the festive season as compared to the rest of the year. It also revealed that 20% planned to spend more this festive season as compared to 2021. No matter how much you intend to spend, we know one thing for sure - staying within your means is hard, especially during the festive season. Still, we don't want you to make choices that will sap all the fun out of this wonderful time of the year, so manage your finances with this guide.

START WITH A PLAN

If you leave it all for the last minute, you'll end up spending a lot more than you had budgeted. You might also end up making unnecessary expenses. Instead, start early - yes, even now and draw up a plan to tackle all aspects of festive season spending. Maitry Shah, financial advisor, investment pro and founder of LakshMe, an organisation that champions the cause of female financial literacy, says, "Festivals in our country will always be grand affairs. While there will be unforeseen issues, keeping a few things in mind will help you curtail your expenses. It's best to start with a plan that also takes into consideration unexpected expenses. If you haven't made any preparations, you'll find the budget to be tight. Have a budget that is adequate for your demands."