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Between the presents, the food, the catch-ups and nights out, Christmas can take quite a toll on your wallet over the course of the season. So, to give you a hand managing your money over the festive period, we rounded up a few tips to help you save some money so you can make it all the way to payday in January.

Gulp.

1. Remember those loyalty points

E Corrigan E Corrigan

If you’re a member of a loyalty scheme whether that’s with a supermarket, pharmacy or department store, now’s the time to cash in all those points you’ve accumulated and use them against presents or supplies for the season.

No, we’re not suggesting you give someone your free loyalty-card latte for Christmas… but it’s not the worst present we’ve ever heard of.

2. Take advantage of sales

Shutterstock / Aleksandrs Bondars Shutterstock / Aleksandrs Bondars / Aleksandrs Bondars

Even if it still feels too early to buy a gift (it’s really not, promise), if you see something on sale that was on your present or supplies list, snap it up. Lots of shops will be having pre-Christmas sales, and now is the time to grab something for less.

3. Make a list

Jon Curnow Jon Curnow

No, you’re not Santa Claus, but it will help you to keep everything (meaning your finances, really) in order, if you make a list. Keeping an eye on what you’re spending as you go means you’re less likely to go over your budget.

If you’re really fancy you can set up a spreadsheet with how much money you’ve allocated to gifts or other Christmas expenditures and see exactly where everything is going as you’re spending it. It’s painful, but helpful.

And then this can be you in January:

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So, tell us – What’s your best tip for saving money at Christmas?

Another easy way to save some money over the Christmas period is to switch to Bord Gáis Energy where you can get 10% off electricity and €100 switching gift. Head over to Bord Gáis Energy to switch and save.