CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY

FINANCIAL EXPERTS GIVE LISA SALMON TIPS TO SPREAD THE COST OF CHRISTMAS BY STARTING SHOPPING NOW

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IT may feel like it's way too early to start thinking about Christmas. But if you're on a tight budget, the best way to minimise festive stress is to start your festive shopping now.

New research from the think-money banking app has found 39% of us intend to start Christmas shopping before November.

"Starting your Christmas shopping early is one of the simplest ways to ease pressure on both your wallet and your stress levels," says Vix Leyton, a consumer expert at thinkmoney.

"Giving yourself more time means you can make thoughtful choices, track down the best prices, and avoid the last-minute scrambles that lead to overspending. It also spreads the financial load over a few paydays rather than relying on one already-stretched December budget.

"It's not about going full Santa mode in September, but starting small - even by just making a list - gives you more control and less stress. Your budget and blood pressure will both thank you."

And Rajan Lakhani, a personal finance expert at smart money app Plum, adds: "By giving the festive season some thought now, you can spread the costs, have more control and put yourself in a better position of having your dream Christmas while obtaining peace of mind at the same time."

The experts suggest these ways to get your Christmas shop underway now, and save money...

1. Make a list to start from

Both experts stress the first move is creating a Christmas list - not of what you want, but what you need to buy for others.